A lot of times bipolar patients don't want to go outside, so when that person is ready to come out, be very gentle.

A 2006 study found that every year, 40 out of every thousand bipolar patients try to kill themselves.

Q: Why do so many bipolar patients fail to get the correct diagnosis?

Q: What percentage of bipolar patients can live normal, productive lives?

To relieve stress, some bipolar patients find themselves spending money they don't have.

A small percentage of bipolar patients do, however, experience chronic residual symptoms.

Overall, there is no difference between bipolar patients and healthy patients.

But some estimates suggest up to 70% of bipolar patients experience mixed episodes.

But according to a 1990 study, 56% of bipolar patients also have a substance abuse problem, which can make treatment even more difficult.

Meanwhile, many bipolar patients, like Caroline, 25, may not be getting the treatment they need.