The National Institute of Health estimates that 2.6% of the adult US population suffer from bipolar disorder, so among all of the celebrities in the country, there are bound to be a few famous people with bipolar disorder. We aim to chronicle a brief profile of each famous person with bipolar disorder, and disclose the issues they have faced when dealing with their bipolar disorder.
With an average age of onset at 25 years, bipolar may be present but undiagnosed in many celebrities. Many other famous people with bipolar disorder may be coping with bipolar disorder privately, and attempting to self medicate with drugs or alcohol. Because some people still believe there is still a stigma attached to mental disorders, they may neglect treatment and end up suffering more than they should, and in the case of many famous people with bipolar, committing suicide.
Treatment options for bipolar disorder can range from counseling to drug therapy, including popular drugs such as lithium, Lexapro, or Seroquel. Famous people with bipolar disorder typically have enough money to afford the best treatments money can buy, but some people dislike the effects these drugs have on their moods, so they refrain from taking prescription drugs, and use illicit substances instead. Prescription drugs may also inhibit one’s musical or acting talents, so they could have a detrimental effect on their career. The treatment options are there, it is just the matter of user preference of famous people with bipolar disorder on which route to take in treating their bipolar disorder.
Richard Dreyfuss is known for dozens of high grossing movies including American Graffiti, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Poseidon, and Mr. Holland’s Opus. Dreyfuss has one Golden Globe and a nomination for a SAG award.
Mel Gibson is a busy, busy man. When he isn’t busy making movies, being racist, driving drunk, hating Jews, or assaulting his girlfriend, he suffers from bipolar disorder. Gibson first disclosed his affliction in a 2008 documentary titled Acting Class of 1977. He has been tabloid fodder because of his actions, but rarely does the media dissect or analyze the potential reasons for his abnormal behavior.
Famous for nearly all of her life, Patty Duke wasn’t officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder until the age of 36. Unbeknownst to her, she would have manic stages, which lead to her 13 day marriage to Michael Tell. Attempting to combat the mood swings characterized by bipolar disorder, Duke self medicated. She turned to alcohol and prescription pills in an attempt to cope with her disorder. She also struggled with anorexia throughout her 20′s and 30′s.
When he’s not “Up in Here” busy fighting dogs or driving recklessly, or in jail, DMX tries to cope with living with bipolar disorder. Originally questioned about the disorder in 2001, Simmons was reclusive about discussing it publicly. Simmons stance changed earlier this year, when he disclosed he has trouble distinguishing himself from his rapping persona. In an attempt to more effectively cope with Bipolar disorder, DMX has turned to religion, with plans to release a gospel album in the near future.
Quite possibly the most famous person to suffer from Bipolar Disorder was grunge rocker Kurt Cobain. Family members estimate that Cobain was diagnosed with the disease at age 13, but didn’t take medicine for the condition on a regular basis. Cobain experimented with Marijuana, LSD, solvents, and most notably heroin, most likely in an attempt to self medicate his disorder.
Russell Edward Brand is a comedian, actor, singer, and author. In the mid 2000′s after battling bulimia and attempts to harm himself, he announced that he suffered from Bipolar Disorder. Brand has also disclosed that he is a former heroin addict, and has also had issues with alcohol abuse.