In addition to the enormous personal and familial burden, the economic impact of bipolar disorder is extremely high, particularly when accounting for the opportunity costs of living with a mental illness.(16) In fact, a 2003 study found that bipolar disorder was the most expensive behavioral health care diagnosis for both patients and their insurance plans.(17) Since over 90% of patients with bipolar disorder suffer recurrences and many experience progressive deterioration in functioning,(18) it is important to consider the financial impact of this disease from both the family and the health plan’s perspective.
