New Survey Reveals Stereotypes and Misconceptions Still Shape Americans' Understanding of Bipolar Disorder

National Mental Health Association
Tuesday, 28 January 2003

General Hospital Star and Mental Health Advocate Maurice Benard Joins Forces with NMHA to Share His Experience and Launch the "Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?" PSA Campaign

To address the alarmingly high rates of misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) today launched the "Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?" national public service campaign. The campaign aims to encourage Americans to recognize the illness and urge those experiencing its symptoms to seek help. The need for Americans to "know it" is bolstered by a new NMHA survey revealing that while more than 60 percent of people can identify bipolar disorder as a mental illness, more than two-thirds of those surveyed said they had limited or no knowledge of it, pointing to gaps in public awareness of the illness.

"Too many Americans are living with bipolar disorder and are unaware of the illness and the toll it may be taking on their lives, work and relationships," said Michael Faenza, MSSW, NMHA president and CEO. "We hope this campaign will reach the millions of individuals and families who are impacted by bipolar disorder and offer them a way to get life-saving information and help."

Joining with NMHA to launch the campaign and share his experience with bipolar disorder is actor Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. "For the last 16 years, I've fought a very personal battle with bipolar disorder," noted Benard. "Only after I was diagnosed was I finally able to manage my illness and work to lead a more positive, productive life. By partnering with NMHA, I hope to encourage those who may be affected by bipolar disorder, as well as their friends and families, to learn more about the illness and take the steps needed to win their struggle with the illness."

Bipolar disorder, often referred to as manic depression, is a serious and chronic mental illness characterized by distressing and disruptive mood swings ranging from high (manic) to low (depressive) states. It is currently estimated that more than 2.5 million Americans have bipolar disorder. As many as 80 percent of individuals go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for up to 10 years. Newly published epidemiological data revealed that 7 million Americans have screened positive for bipolar disorder. If ignored, bipolar disorder can have serious, life-altering consequences that range from loss of employment and difficulty regaining it, to drug and alcohol abuse and suicide. In fact, bipolar disorder has one of the highest mortality rates among all mental illnesses.

The NMHA telephone survey of 1,051 American adults conducted by Harris Interactive also indicated that certain stereotypes and stigma surrounding bipolar disorder still persist, thereby discouraging people who may have the illness from seeking a diagnosis and treatment. According to the results, two out of three surveyed, (67 percent) believe that people with bipolar disorder are extremely emotional and sensitive people. Furthermore, while more than 75 percent of those surveyed reported being comfortable with being friends with someone with bipolar disorder and 62 percent are comfortable working with or for someone with bipolar disorder, only one in three (32 percent) felt comfortable dating someone with bipolar disorder. Regarding the media's role in coverage of bipolar disorder, more Americans felt that portrayals of people with bipolar disorder have been more negative (39 percent) than positive (11 percent). The margin of error for this survey was (+/–) 3 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.

"These stereotypes are real barriers that prevent those who may have the illness from seeking the care they need," said Faenza. "As America's favorite source for health information, the media play a key role in changing misperceptions and helping individuals with bipolar disorder get help and get better."

About the "Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?" PSA Campaign

Through a series of distinct, black-and-white print and television announcements, as well as radio spots, the NMHA "Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?" campaign emphasizes that help and information are available for those who may have bipolar disorder and prompts individuals, families and friends to take action – seeking help from a healthcare professional who can provide them with an accurate diagnosis and inform them of available treatment options. The public can contact NMHA at 1-800-969-NMHA (6642) or www.nmha.org to receive free educational materials about bipolar disorder (including pamphlets for the general public, African American community and Spanish-speaking individuals) and referrals for local services. The PSA campaign is a component of NMHA's Campaign for America's Mental Health.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of the manic state include increased energy, activity, restlessness, irritability, racing thoughts, rapid talking, decreased need for sleep and unrealistic beliefs in one's ability and powers. Symptoms of the depressive state include loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed; a distinctly low or irritable mood; change in appetite and sleep patterns; fatigue, and thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

On average, patients receive 3.5 misdiagnoses and consult four physicians before receiving an accurate diagnosis.*

About National Mental Health Association (NMHA)

Established in 1909 by an individual with a mental illness, the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.

The PSA campaign was made possible through seed funding from GlaxoSmithKline.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org