Mental illness is shrouded by several myths or taboos and is often linked to violence. It’s a common perception that people enduring any mental illness such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder are dangerous and considered to be violent. In fact, bipolar disorder is directly linked to violent acts due to unpredictable mood swings and other symptoms associated with it. According to a survey 75% people in the United States consider people suffering from mental illnesses as violent and dangerous. Rather, access to mental health care services should be prioritized in the US and not link mental illness to violence.

Although people who commit violent behavior might have underlying problems, triggering their violent behavior, studies reveal that less than 5% of all violent acts in the United States are related to mental illness.

What science and statistics tell us about violent behavior and mental health?

Studies have shown that mental illness or bipolar is not the cause for majority of violent activities. However, there is a moderate link between aggressive behavior and bipolar disorder. Studies published in Epidemiology and community health in 2015 and International journal of bipolar disorder in 2018 suggest that violent behavior in context to bipolar disorder in linked to learning disability, substance use and suicidal thoughts.

During the maniac episodes or psychotic state in bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior becomes quite palpable. A 12-month in-patient study published in the Journal of Psychopathology in January 2021, says that out of 151 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder only 18 patients had symptoms of aggression. The major form of aggression that persisted in those 18 patients was majorly verbal aggression, while just 1% evinced any physical aggression.

Studies have also shown that substance abuse compounds symptoms of irritability and aggression in bipolar disorder patients. But patients who sought treatment showed less signs of aggression.

Overall, the results of the study showed that vast majority of people with symptoms of arousal or irritability are less likely to adopt violent behavior. Aggressive episodes primarily occur in the active phase of bipolar disorder and are related to substance abuse. Researchers believe that these results may help in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

How aggression is linked to childhood trauma in bipolar disorder?

Many studies have shown that symptoms of aggression in people with bipolar disorder are linked to childhood trauma. The aggression in bipolar disorder has connection with:

. Anti anxiety personality disorder

. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

. Physical abuse during childhood

. Emotional and physical neglect during childhood

Additional reasons contributing towards aggression in bipolar disorder are:

. Higher addiction to substances

. Early onset

. More manic episodes

. Suicidal attempt or self-harm thoughts

Statistics have shown that people engaged in violent acts are influenced by different factors, including prior records of aggression, such as domestic violence, often with a criminal history, convictions of violent misdemeanor crimes related to alcohol and drug associated offenses. Impulse of aggression manifest troubles, trauma, rage, youth adversity, desperation, monetary pressure, vindictiveness, narcissism, being a sociopath, and a psychopath. This, in turn, can trigger violent activities but it is not similar to issues associated with mental health disorder.

Truth is people suffering from mental illnesses are stigmatized by society, and it prevents them from accessing high-quality mental health services. Lack of support from society is an underlying reason that delays treatment and aggravate symptoms of people. Studies reveal that people enduring mental illness possess greater risk of becoming victim of violence than becoming perpetrators of violent acts.

Treatment available for bipolar disorder

The treatment for bipolar disorder includes medication coupled with psychotherapies such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectic behavioral therapy. These therapies are designed to manage both, manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.