Surprising new research has come to light according to a university of Missouri study that shows that it may be possible for young adults to outgrow bipolar disorder. Traditionally, symptoms of bipolar disorder manifest themselves at the time of puberty, with most being diagnosed much later between 18 years of age and 25.
There is a very high peak prevalence of bipolar disorder and emerging adulthood according to David Cicero, a doctoral student and author of the paper. This disorder seems to resolve itself on a substantial basis, meaning that there may bea high chance of recovery.
What the research showed is that almost 6% of people between the ages of 18 and 24 have bipolar disorder, but only 3% of people over 29 suffer from the disorder.
The reason for this may be that life circumstances dictate the severity of the illness. I know for me, going through those young years of my life, especially when you’re trying to find your way and don’t have a lot of money, can be a very stressful process.
Once you get on your feet, and there are a lot less strains in your relationships and your work environment, the extremities of the disorder are usually mediated.
Another theory proposed by bipolar researchers is that brain development may have a beneficial effect on bipolar disorder, especially the prefrontal cortex.
Whenever the reason, there is a great deal of hope present in this article, because us young bipolars just have to wait it out.