top of page

Psychological Encyclopedia

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk: Evidence, Warning Signs, and Care

7 days ago
18 min read

Author: Ukrainian Psychological Hub · Published: October 9, 2026 · Editorial Policy

Bipolar disorder is associated with an elevated population-level risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and death by suicide. This association is clinically important because risk can change substantially across depressive, mixed, manic, and recovery periods; individual history, current safety, and access to care matter more than a diagnostic label alone. A person living with bipolar disorder can receive effective treatment, regain stability, and build a plan for responding to worsening symptoms. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

This article examines evidence specific to bipolar disorders, how clinicians interpret warning signs, what makes a crisis urgent, and how treatment and follow-up can reduce vulnerability. For an introduction to diagnostic types, episodes, and treatment, see the bipolar disorder overview. General suicide-prevention protocols and emergency treatment extend beyond this bipolar-specific review. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

If a person has an immediate intention to act on suicidal thoughts, has made preparations, has already harmed themselves, or cannot stay safe, call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now. In the United States, call or text 988 for confidential crisis support; call 911 in an immediate life-threatening emergency. Stay with the person when safe to do so, and involve emergency responders. NIMH suicide warning signs (2025) NIMH suicide questions and crisis guidance

What does suicide risk mean in bipolar disorder?

Suicidal ideation means thinking about suicide, and it ranges from fleeting wishes not to exist to persistent thoughts involving intent and a plan. A suicide attempt is a potentially self-injurious action undertaken with at least some intent to die. Death by suicide is a distinct, comparatively rare outcome, even in a group where relative risk is elevated. Studies may measure lifetime thoughts, past-year attempts, hospitalization, or mortality, and these are different endpoints. Their percentages should never be substituted for one another. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Bipolar I disorder is defined by a history of mania; bipolar II disorder involves hypomania and major depression, without a history of mania. Cyclothymic disorder has another longitudinal pattern. The diagnosis is established through clinical evaluation of mood episodes and history, rather than through the presence of suicidality. A person with suicidal thoughts may have a range of psychiatric, medical, and social contributors that deserve assessment on their own terms. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Population evidence identifies where services should direct attention and resources; it cannot determine the fate of a particular patient. Suicide-risk assessment therefore considers both enduring vulnerabilities, such as previous attempts, and current changes, such as an active plan, rising agitation, intoxication, recent discharge, or weakening social supports. This distinction underlies contemporary personalized safety planning. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024) NICE self-harm guideline NG225

How much higher is the risk? What the research actually shows

A large 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 57 mortality studies involving 678,353 people with bipolar disorder. For death by suicide, 25 included studies yielded a pooled relative risk of 11.69 (95% CI, 9.22–14.81) compared with the general population. This is a relative comparison derived from heterogeneous populations and study designs; it is not an individual's probability of suicide and does not mean that 11.69% of patients die by suicide. Biazus et al. (2023), mortality meta-analysis

The CANMAT/ISBD clinical update describes suicide as an important cause of death in bipolar disorders and summarizes elevated rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts in selected international survey samples. The precise proportion varies according to whether a study measures past-year or lifetime outcomes, diagnosis, care setting, severity, and method. Estimates quoted without their denominators and time frame can misinform readers. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

Relative risk and absolute risk must be interpreted separately. If the baseline occurrence of an outcome is uncommon, even a markedly elevated relative risk does not translate into inevitability. Conversely, the clinical significance of a rare outcome is substantial because the consequences are severe. The appropriate response to epidemiology is sustained access to assessment and prevention, combined with treatment of mood episodes and modifiable risks. Biazus et al. (2023), mortality meta-analysis VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Does bipolar II carry a lower suicide risk than bipolar I?

Bipolar II is sometimes described as a milder form of bipolar disorder because hypomania is less severe than mania. That shorthand overlooks the burden of recurrent depression and impairment. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of death by suicide found a pooled odds ratio of 1.00 for bipolar II versus bipolar I (95% CI, 0.75–1.34); the included studies were few and heterogeneous, so the result supports comparable observed mortality rather than exact equality in every population. Dev et al. (2024), bipolar I versus II review

Clinicians therefore assess suicidal thinking, prior attempts, depressive episodes, mixed symptoms, substance use, and personal circumstances in either diagnosis. Hypomania itself does not meet the severity threshold for mania, but bipolar II depression can be prolonged and disabling. Readers wanting a fuller account of the distinction can consult the bipolar II disorder. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update Dev et al. (2024), bipolar I versus II review

Mood episodes and periods of elevated vulnerability

Bipolar depression

Hopelessness, loss of pleasure, guilt, profound fatigue, disrupted sleep, and thoughts about death can occur in bipolar depressive episodes. These symptoms warrant direct questions about suicidal ideation and safety, especially when depression is worsening or recovery is unstable. The clinical task is to recognize both the depressive syndrome and any concurrent warning signs rather than infer risk from sadness alone. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

The distinction from unipolar depression affects treatment, because the history of mania or hypomania changes medication decisions. The dedicated bipolar depression article addresses depressive symptoms and diagnosis in depth; this article focuses on suicide-relevant monitoring and care. VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Mixed features and agitation

Mixed features describe a depressive episode with qualifying manic or hypomanic symptoms, or a manic/hypomanic episode with qualifying depressive symptoms. Someone may feel desperate or hopeless while also being unusually restless, energized, sleepless, or unable to slow their thoughts. Such combinations can complicate judgment and require close evaluation; however, agitation alone does not establish a mixed-features specifier or a bipolar diagnosis. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update NICE bipolar guideline CG185

Clinicians should ask about both mood poles, substance use, medication changes, sleep, psychotic symptoms, and current suicidal thoughts. For the formal distinction between an episode with mixed features and other forms of emotional distress, see bipolar disorder with mixed features. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

Mania, impaired judgment, and psychotic features

During severe mania, reduced need for sleep, increased activity, disinhibition, impulsive behavior, and impaired judgment can intensify danger. Psychotic symptoms or severe functional impairment may make emergency specialist care necessary. A person can appear energetic or confident while still being unsafe, especially if a crisis involves agitation, delusional beliefs, mixed depressive symptoms, or substance use. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Psychosis refers to symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations and demands careful clinical evaluation. It is not universal in bipolar disorder, and it cannot be inferred from unusual beliefs in isolation. The psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder article covers bipolar-related psychosis and clinical care. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance

Transition periods, hospitalization, and discharge

Risk assessment should be repeated when mood shifts, new symptoms appear, medications change, major stressors emerge, or a patient transitions between settings. Observational research repeatedly identifies the period after psychiatric hospitalization as a particularly vulnerable time. A Swedish national registry study of people hospitalized with bipolar disorder found a substantial concentration of suicide deaths within 120 days of discharge, although this sample cannot be generalized directly to everyone receiving outpatient care. Swedish bipolar inpatient registry study

In a 2023 population-based cohort of 76,462 people discharged after psychiatric hospitalization, earlier outpatient follow-up was associated with lower suicide mortality; the bipolar-disorder subgroup also showed an association. This observational design supports prompt, coordinated transitions but cannot by itself prove that the visit timing caused the difference. Discharge plans should specify contact information, appointment dates, medication arrangements, a shared safety plan, and what to do if the situation worsens before the next visit. Che et al. (2023), psychiatric discharge follow-up VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

What factors are associated with suicidal behavior?

A history of a previous suicide attempt is one of the clinically important factors to ask about; other commonly assessed contributors include severe depressive symptoms, mixed or agitated presentations, anxiety, substance use, a family history of suicide, disrupted sleep, and stressful life events. Research describes statistical associations, with strengths that vary by population and outcome. None operates as a deterministic predictor, and none should be used to label an individual as destined to attempt suicide. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Substance intoxication may acutely worsen impulsivity and reduce the ability to use an existing safety plan. Sleep deprivation can aggravate bipolar mood instability, while social isolation and changes in access to clinical care can weaken protective support. The combination and sequence of changes often matter more than a static checklist. Professionals also assess the practical availability of potentially lethal means and collaborate on reducing access during periods of danger. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Protective and stabilizing resources can include an effective clinical alliance, treatment engagement, family or trusted-person involvement with consent, early recognition of relapse, safe environments, and reliable follow-up. Their presence informs care planning; it does not automatically eliminate current suicide risk. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024) NICE bipolar guideline CG185

Warning signs that deserve prompt attention

The NIMH lists several warning signs that should prompt timely contact with a crisis service or health professional, particularly when they are new, escalating, or paired with other changes. These include talking about wanting to die; expressing that life is hopeless or that one is a burden; seeking ways to die; saying goodbye or giving away meaningful possessions; withdrawing abruptly; greater use of alcohol or drugs; marked agitation; and major changes in sleeping or behavior. NIMH suicide warning signs (2025)

In someone with bipolar disorder, relatives may also notice a return of severe depression, an unusually rapid escalation of activity with little sleep, newly intense irritability, racing thoughts combined with despair, or a loss of contact with reality. These changes call for an assessment of the mood episode as well as direct questions about safety. A relapse warning sign and a suicide warning sign can overlap, but they are not interchangeable. See early signs of mania and relapse for a detailed bipolar relapse-sign guide. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance NICE bipolar guideline CG185

A sudden improvement in expressed mood is not automatically proof that a crisis has ended. Clinical follow-up should consider the whole situation, including recent intent, access to means, agitation, treatment changes, and the individual's own account. Conversely, a person may be suicidal without displaying recognizable outward clues. Asking openly is more reliable than trying to read intentions from appearance. NIMH suicide warning signs (2025) VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

What to do if suicidal thoughts appear

When thoughts of suicide are present, the immediate priority is an honest, supported conversation about safety. Contact the treating clinician, a local crisis team, or emergency services according to urgency. A person who has intent, a specific plan, preparatory behavior, inability to maintain safety, or serious intoxication needs urgent in-person assessment. Do not rely on an online self-test, a promised future appointment, or family monitoring as a substitute for emergency care in these circumstances. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024) NIMH suicide questions and crisis guidance

For thoughts without immediate intent, timely clinical contact remains appropriate. A clinician can examine recent mood episodes, personal risk history, access to medication and other means, substance use, insomnia, medical problems, current treatments, and supportive relationships. Existing treatment may require reassessment, and the level of care can range from more frequent outpatient visits to crisis stabilization or hospital care, depending on the actual presentation. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

If this concerns a loved one, ask plainly and calmly whether they are thinking about suicide and whether they have a plan or intend to act. Listen without argument, remain connected, and help them contact appropriate support. When danger is immediate, seek emergency services and stay nearby if doing so is safe. NIMH identifies asking directly, being present, helping keep the person safe, connecting them to care, and following up as constructive steps. NIMH suicide questions and crisis guidance

How clinicians assess suicide risk in bipolar disorder

A competent assessment explores suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, preparatory actions, past attempts, access to means, current mood state, mixed symptoms, psychosis, sleep, substance use, medical needs, and capacity to make safe decisions. It also asks what has helped the person remain safe before, which relationships they trust, what obstacles prevent care, and what actions can realistically be taken today. Collaboration and respectful questioning improve the usefulness of this information. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024) NICE bipolar guideline CG185

A bipolar diagnosis or a positive mood-disorder screening questionnaire cannot determine suicide risk. Equally, scoring a brief suicide questionnaire does not forecast who will or will not attempt suicide. NICE NG225 explicitly advises against using risk scales or low/medium/high categories to predict future suicide or as sole criteria for discharge or denial of care. The aim is individualized clinical formulation and a practical plan for immediate and longer-term safety. NICE self-harm guideline NG225

Assessment is repeated over time because risk is dynamic. Someone who felt safe during yesterday's routine visit may develop a new depressive episode, severe insomnia, agitation, or suicidal intent. Care plans require a pathway for recontact, after-hours access, and escalation. The separate clinical bipolar diagnosis explains the longitudinal diagnostic process for bipolar disorder, and bipolar disorder screening tests explains why bipolar screening questionnaires are not diagnoses. VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023) VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Safety planning and reducing access to lethal means

A collaborative written safety plan can identify personally recognizable early signs, initial coping actions, people and places that provide connection, professional and emergency contacts, and concrete steps to make the immediate environment safer. It should be accessible during distress and adapted when the person moves between outpatient and inpatient settings. Safety plans should be practiced and updated, rather than created once and forgotten. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Reducing access to lethal means is a central prevention strategy. The details should be discussed with a clinician and trusted support person according to the person's circumstances and local law. This may involve safe, temporary arrangements for firearms, medication supplies, and other hazards. The purpose is to create time and distance during an acute crisis; it should be conducted respectfully and without shaming the person. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Family members cannot provide clinical suicide-risk assessment by themselves, and they should not be made solely responsible for guaranteeing safety. When a crisis exceeds what a household can manage, coordinated professional or emergency intervention is appropriate. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Does treating bipolar disorder reduce suicide risk?

Treating bipolar disorder is central to managing depression, mania, recurrence, functioning, and related dangers. Evidence for each medication depends on the treatment phase, and a benefit for mood symptoms does not automatically establish an independent reduction in suicide deaths. Treatment plans should follow the diagnosis, episode polarity, previous response, medical risks, patient preferences, and need for monitoring. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Lithium: substantial bipolar evidence and a nuanced suicide-prevention literature

Lithium is a well-established option for acute mania and maintenance treatment in appropriately selected patients. Observational literature and clinical guidelines have long associated lithium treatment with fewer suicidal outcomes, yet randomized trials focused on suicidal behavior have been small and difficult to interpret because suicide deaths are uncommon events. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized studies reported numerically fewer suicide attempts and deaths in lithium groups, but the pooled differences were not statistically significant. The odds ratio for attempts was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.41–1.31) and for suicide death was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.25–1.48). The authors highlighted heterogeneity and limited statistical power. Lithium's established effectiveness in bipolar care should therefore be distinguished from claims that randomized evidence proves a specific anti-suicide effect. Wang et al. (2025), lithium meta-analysis

Lithium requires individualized prescribing and monitoring of serum concentration, renal and thyroid function, interactions, hydration-related risks, and toxicity symptoms. Dehydration, illness, certain interacting medicines, and changes in salt or fluid balance may affect levels. People should contact their prescriber rather than change or stop lithium on their own; suspected toxicity calls for immediate medical assessment. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Other medication options and their limitations

Antipsychotic medications and other mood-stabilizing treatments can be appropriate for acute mania, bipolar depression, or maintenance, according to the specific agent and clinical phase. Their adverse effects, including metabolic, neurologic, sedating, or other drug-specific risks, need monitoring. The evidence supporting treatment of an episode should not be presented as proof of direct prevention of suicide death. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Lamotrigine has an evidence-based role in selected bipolar depressive and maintenance contexts, but it is not a treatment for acute mania. Clinicians must counsel about potentially serious skin reactions and follow careful titration. Valproate can have a role in selected manic or maintenance presentations but has major reproductive and pregnancy-related safety concerns. A medication choice that is reasonable for one adult may be unsuitable during pregnancy or for another population. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update NICE bipolar guideline CG185

Antidepressant monotherapy is generally not recommended for bipolar I depression in the CANMAT/ISBD algorithm, and antidepressant use requires careful attention to episode history, mixed symptoms, and switching concerns. Patients should not independently begin, stop, or change prescriptions in response to an online article or a change in mood. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

Psychotherapy, coordinated care, and recovery

Psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused interventions, and social-rhythm approaches may contribute to relapse prevention and functional recovery as adjuncts to appropriate pharmacologic care. Their precise evidence and intended outcomes vary by intervention and illness phase. For a person with suicidal thinking, care may additionally include suicide-focused psychotherapy, safety planning, closer monitoring, and coordinated crisis services according to specialized guidelines. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Sleep regularity, reduced substance use, supportive routines, and planned follow-up can help patients recognize mood changes and remain connected to treatment. These strategies complement professional care and should not be presented as substitutes for acute assessment when suicidal intent is present. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance

Emergency interventions and levels of care

When there is acute suicidal intent, inability to maintain safety, serious psychosis, severe mania, or medically dangerous self-neglect, emergency assessment may lead to hospital admission or intensive crisis services. Hospitalization is a clinical decision based on safety and needs; it is not evidence of personal failure. Treatment may address the immediate medical and psychiatric emergency while preparing for a safe transition to continued care. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered by specialists in certain severe or treatment-resistant bipolar episodes, including selected presentations requiring a rapid response. Its role, consent process, anesthesia considerations, and potential cognitive adverse effects must be assessed individually. The availability of a treatment during an emergency is distinct from proof of a specific long-term suicide-prevention effect. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

If a person leaves hospital, the safety plan and outpatient appointments should be concrete before the transition whenever possible. The high-risk discharge window makes timely follow-up and coordination important. Swedish bipolar inpatient registry study Che et al. (2023), psychiatric discharge follow-up

Practical care plan for someone living with bipolar disorder

A durable care plan includes the diagnosis and episode history; medications and monitoring responsibilities; the earliest personal indicators of depression, mania, or mixed symptoms; a sleep and substance-use discussion; contact details for regular and urgent services; an accessible safety plan; agreed involvement of trusted people; and scheduled review after changes or discharge. Plans are adjusted to the person's preferences and changing circumstances. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

At routine appointments, it is useful to bring a brief timeline of recent mood, sleep, medication changes, adverse effects, substance use, and suicidal thoughts. Reporting suicidal thoughts does not require waiting until they feel unbearable. A clinician can respond earlier when important changes are made explicit. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

Recovery should be judged through sustained safety, symptom control, agency, relationships, and daily functioning over time. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not describe a person's identity or determine their future. Longitudinal specialist care makes it possible to adapt treatment across episodes and life stages. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance

Supporting a partner, friend, or family member

A trusted supporter can learn the person's typical episode patterns, ask directly about safety concerns, help contact the care team, offer transport or company, and participate in a pre-agreed crisis plan. Respecting privacy and autonomy remains important; immediate danger may require emergency assistance even if a person is reluctant to seek help. Supporters benefit from knowing their own practical limits and emergency contacts. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

It is helpful to distinguish emotional validation from agreeing with a belief that may be part of psychosis or a severely altered mood state. A calm response, fewer arguments, and professional assessment can be safer than attempting to debate someone out of a crisis. Concrete actions, including following through after an appointment or discharge, are often more useful than assurances that everything will be fine. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Adolescents, older adults, and pregnancy-related considerations

Age changes the diagnostic and safety context. Adolescents require developmentally appropriate assessment, careful consideration of family support, co-occurring conditions, medication evidence, and age-specific safeguards. Adult treatment findings cannot simply be carried over to minors. Young people expressing suicidality require prompt assessment even when the diagnostic status of bipolar disorder is uncertain. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

In older adults, medical illness, cognitive changes, polypharmacy, kidney function, and social losses can complicate the clinical picture and treatment selection. Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring additional risks of mood episodes and special medication safety decisions; people planning pregnancy should arrange specialist advice rather than stop mood-stabilizing treatment abruptly. The balance between maternal illness risk and medication-related fetal or infant risk requires individualized perinatal care. NICE bipolar guideline CG185 CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

Common misunderstandings

A high relative suicide risk in bipolar disorder does not mean that every person with the diagnosis is suicidal. Another mistake is to equate every mood swing with a clinical bipolar episode: episodes involve characteristic patterns of symptoms, duration, and functional change assessed over time. A third is to assume that mania makes suicide impossible because a person appears energetic; mixed features, impaired judgment, or concurrent depression can alter the picture. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

It is equally misleading to claim that bipolar II is automatically safer because hypomania is less severe than mania, or that lithium has proven direct prevention of suicide deaths in every trial. Evidence requires separating diagnostic types, study designs, and outcome measures. Finally, no screening score or online checklist replaces clinical judgment and a person-centered safety plan. Dev et al. (2024), bipolar I versus II review Wang et al. (2025), lithium meta-analysis NICE self-harm guideline NG225

Frequently asked questions

Can someone have suicidal thoughts when their bipolar disorder seems stable?

Yes. Mood symptoms and psychosocial circumstances can vary between visits, and new suicidal thinking deserves attention regardless of how a person appeared at a previous appointment. A clinical conversation assesses current context and safety rather than assuming risk exists only during a formally diagnosed episode. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Is suicidal thinking part of the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder?

Suicidal thoughts may occur during major depressive episodes, but they are not required for a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. Diagnosis depends on documented manic or hypomanic history and other clinical criteria. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance

Are people with bipolar II less likely to die by suicide?

Current comparative evidence does not justify treating bipolar II as a low-risk diagnosis. A 2024 pooled analysis found similar observed suicide mortality for bipolar I and II, with important uncertainty due to limited heterogeneous studies. Dev et al. (2024), bipolar I versus II review

Should someone stop medication if they begin having suicidal thoughts?

The appropriate step is timely contact with the prescribing clinician or urgent services according to the danger. Abrupt medication changes can cause additional problems, and the treatment needs expert review in the context of current symptoms, side effects, and prior episode history. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Does asking about suicide make a person more likely to attempt it?

NIMH encourages direct, supportive conversation with someone who may be thinking about suicide. Asking provides an opportunity for disclosure, connection, and professional help; the critical requirement is to respond to any disclosed intent or immediate danger with appropriate action. NIMH suicide questions and crisis guidance

What if someone refuses help but appears at immediate risk?

Call emergency services or a local mobile crisis team, describe specific observable safety concerns, and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to manage a potentially life-threatening situation alone, and do not place yourself in danger. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

Where can a person in the United States get urgent help?

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use its crisis chat. If a medical emergency or immediate threat to life is present, call 911 or go to an emergency department. Outside the United States, use the local emergency number or nationally available crisis service. NIMH suicide questions and crisis guidance

Related Articles

References

Biazus, T. B., Beraldi, G. H., Tokeshi, L., et al. (2023). All-cause and cause-specific mortality among people with bipolar disorder: A large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis. Molecular Psychiatry, 28, 2508–2524. Biazus et al. (2023), mortality meta-analysis

Che, S. E., Gwon, Y. G., & Kim, K.-H. (2023). Follow-up timing after discharge and suicide risk among patients hospitalized with psychiatric illness. JAMA Network Open, 6(10), e2336767. Che et al. (2023), psychiatric discharge follow-up

Dev, D. A., Le, G. H., Kwan, A. T. H., et al. (2024). Comparing suicide completion rates in bipolar I versus bipolar II disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 361, 480–488. Dev et al. (2024), bipolar I versus II review

Iliachenko, E. K., Ragazan, D. C., Eberhard, J., & Berge, J. (2020). Suicide mortality after discharge from inpatient care for bipolar disorder: A 14-year Swedish national registry study. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 127, 20–27. Swedish bipolar inpatient registry study

Keramatian, K., Chithra, N. K., & Yatham, L. N. (2023). The CANMAT and ISBD guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder: Summary and a 2023 update of evidence. Focus, 21(4), 344–353. CANMAT/ISBD 2023 update

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014, updated). Bipolar disorder: Assessment and management (CG185). NICE bipolar guideline CG185

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022, updated). Self-harm: Assessment, management and preventing recurrence (NG225). NICE self-harm guideline NG225

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. NIMH bipolar disorder guidance

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about suicide. NIMH suicide questions and crisis guidance

National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Warning signs of suicide. NIMH suicide warning signs (2025)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense. (2024). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for assessment and management of patients at risk for suicide. VA/DoD suicide-risk guideline (2024)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense. (2023). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of bipolar disorder. VA/DoD bipolar guideline (2023)

Wang, J. X., Le, G. H., Wong, S., et al. (2025). The efficacy of lithium in the treatment of suicidal ideation, behavior and suicide: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 387, 119487. Wang et al. (2025), lithium meta-analysis

 
 
bottom of page