Is It True That People Who Are Wealthier Are At An Increased Risk Of Developing Bipolar Disorder?

Question: Is it true that people who are wealthier are at an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder?

Answer: The simple answer is no.

Earlier observations that suggested such an association were likely an artifact of individuals with more resources -- of greater economic resources in particular -- being able to obtain appropriate psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Individuals who come from lower socioeconomic levels or certain minority groups have been found to be more likely to be misdiagnosed, oftentimes with schizophrenia, and also are more likely to end up incarcerated as opposed to obtaining the psychiatric assessment that they warrant.

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