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I've never been told exactly what causes the shorter life span. I've known people with bipolar who lived to be elderly and three who died before their time.

I'm guessing, but I'd say that it may have to do with a wearing down of the electrical system. At my age, I have that and have a pacemaker.

A portion of the brain fires too rapidly in bipolar illness (according to my psychiatrist). Makes me wonder if the rapid firing in youth might not put excessive wear on the electrical system as one begins to age. It is known that without medication, the illness becomes worse as one ages. That alone alarmed me when I first learned it.

I don't believe really that it is a scare tactic to say that bipolar patients might have a life-expectancy shorter than others. I think it might be true.

Try not to worry; the next thing you know, we'll have an answer from the scientists.

Trying to know why is an interesting research question. Why don't you do some and let us know what the theories are on the subject?

I just asked this question on the internet and got the following answer: "Do bipolar patients have a shorter life-span than others?"

The answer:" Serious mental illness has a life expectancy of 25 years shorter than that of others." Several sites give information on it, so there may be many answers available. Suicide rates are higher in bipolar illness (20 times higher) than in other illnesses.

I'm also guessing that among those who have shorter life-spans it
may be related to alcohol use for relief of psychic pain or other
addictions that lead to unrelated illnesses because of incorrect care
for the individual.

I don't really rely on these things for my thinking, frankly. Knowing people who have had bipolar illness and lived very successfully far longer than the average life-span is of much more interest to me.

Take care, Trippin.

Genetic