Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Worse Among Those Abused as Children

New research suggests that individuals with bipolar disorder who have a history of childhood abuse or neglect may have an increased risk for more severe manic, depressive, and psychotic symptoms as well as a higher risk of suicide than bipolar disorder patients with a less traumatic upbringing. The study also found that those with bipolar disorder who were abused as children have a higher risk for anxiety disorders and substance and alcohol abuse disorders. Study author Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais writes, “This information could be valuable for identifying patients with bipolar disorder who may benefit from greater support and treatment.”
– The Lancet Psychiatry, February 2016