This News-Medical.net article shows that patients with bipolar disorder have a shorter-than-average life expectancy. The effect is most pronounced in young people, and the gap in life expectancy shrinks as age increases. The study authors say the results reinforce the idea that young people diagnosed with bipolar disorder have poor outcomes because they are prone to self-injurious behavior and suicide. This finding highlights the need for better treatments for bipolar disorder symptoms, particularly for depressive episodes when patients are more prone to self-harm.