Does Bipolar Disorder get worse as you get older?

My psychiatrist says if I don't take my meds that my illness will progress. She said that would be fine if I had a job that required no thinking, but the job that I'm going to school for requires thinking. In a way, I believe she is right because my symptoms seem to be getting worse (especially in the last two years- I'm 31). My thinking seems to be ok. I still make good grades. Do you know if this illness progresses with age or do you think my doctor is just really pushing the meds and doctor visits?

Answers:
From just looking at my dad who was not treated for this until he was in his 50's and they said he has had it all of his adult life, I would say it gets worse if you dont treat it. My dad is now treatment resistant. he winds up going inpatient every 6 mos or so. I can also say from personal experience I was dx'ed when I was 15 and refused treatment until a few years ago, now they are finding it hard to find meds that will break my depression cycles and to keep the manic episodes from coming on. Things are not as bad as they used to be but my pych told me that if I was being treated all along I would be alot better off. Right now I am on disability because of the bipolar and other problems that usually come with it. Keep on your meds and therapy.

Yes. No it doesn't. Yes it does. No it doesn't.
I'm not sure, but I'd suggest that you stayed on the meds. either way.

Good luck with the career too.
hold on I'll bang my head and ask him
i have it and i am not sure whether it gets better or not but i agree with the girl that said to continue the meds.the disease will get worse if u dont..
I would like to believe it gets better. Especially if you recognize the symptoms. Many prefer to self medicate instead or along with their meds. I understand a large part of the population goes undiagnosed and untreated by professionals. I have found that Trazodone works well for sleep deprivation.It's kind of like having a split personality. I had a different diagnosis that was more severe than yours but I understand how it feels. Personally I think that diet can make a difference. Certain medications I had heard used over a reasonable period of time can shrink an area of the brain that contributes to this problem. I think it's like having seizures. Have you ever tried to meditate? Looks like you have kids too. I have heard it is hereditary.
I know clinical depression does, so I would say it does.
my daughter's phychiatrist said the same thing she is only 23 but won't take her meds & her life isn't going well because of it.please, take your meds

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bi polar
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