Perceptions and impact of bipolar disorder: how far have we really come? Results of the national depressive and manic-depressive association 2000 survey of individuals with bipolar disorder.

Individuals with bipolar disorder reported that the illness manifests itself early in life but that accurate diagnosis lags by many years. The illness exacts great hardships on the individual and the family and has a profoundly negative effect on careers. These findings are very similar to those reported nearly a decade ago.