The Role of Gender in Mental Health

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by mood swings that range from extreme lows (depression) to extreme highs (mania). These mood shifts can occur as infrequently as a few times a year or as often as multiple times a day. Bipolar disorder is found in about 4 percent of the US population and affects men and women equally. However, there are some gender-based differences in disease course. The onset of bipolar disorder tends to occur later in women than men, and women are more likely to have seasonal patterns to their mood swings. Women also are more likely to experience depressive episodes and rapid mood cycling than men. Men with bipolar disorder are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol and women have higher rates of associated migraines and obesity. People with multiple sclerosis have higher rates of bipolar disorder. Drug abuse, depression and chronic stress have all been shown to increase bipolar disorder risk.