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This is probably one the most comprehensive studies into bipolar and suicide in the UK. Though it only covers those in contact with mental health services and with a known bipolar diagnosis.
Less than half the people with bipolar have a diagnosis and around a third of our community report attempting suicide BECAUSE of the delay to diagnosis. The figures below are therefore the lowest possible estimate but are in themselves totally shocking.
Suicide and bipolar disorder
📷In 2012-2022, there were 1,491 suicides by patients with bipolar disorder, 8% of all patient suicides, an average of 136 deaths per year. The average number in 2019-2022 increased by 19% compared to the average number in 2015-2018.
Patients with bipolar disorder were more often:
female (47%);
living alone (52%);
older, with more aged 45-64 (50%), than other patients who died by suicide.
Overall, a minority (39%) were receiving lithium treatment and only 12% were receiving psychological treatment. More patients with bipolar disorder were non-adherent with medication (15%) and had experienced drug side effects (12%).
louis appleby@ProfLAppleby
Our 2025 report @NCISH_UK highlights #suicideprevention priorities for clinical care: •safety on wards & after hospital discharge •optimum treatment for bipolar disorder •patients who are losing contact •bereavement anniversaries. sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/reports/…
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