Kate Spade's death prompts questions about bipolar disorder
The sister of fashion designer Kate Spade says a long struggle with bipolar disorder may have led to her taking her own life. Spade was found dead by her housekeeper in her New York apartment on Tuesday. Police said she appeared to have hanged herself.
In an email to "CBS This Morning," Spade's sister, Reta Saffo, said she believed Spade suffered from bipolar disorder. "It finally took its toll on her. A very tragic and sad ending to the life of a very colorful and delightful being," Saffo wrote.
She said she believes Spade "did not receive the proper care" though she "tried numerous times to get her help."
Spade's husband Andy Spade issued a statement Wednesday saying the designer suffered from depression and anxiety.
"She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last five years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety," Spade said in the statement provided to The New York Times.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is a disorder of the brain that causes extreme mood swings, including extreme emotional highs and lows. The "up" moods are characterized by a feeling of elation and highly energized behaviors, known as manic episodes, while the very sad "down" periods resemble depressive episodes.
There are four types of bipolar disorder, each defined by the intensity and length of episodes.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health, an estimated 2.8 percent of U.S. adults – roughly 6 million Americans – are affected by bipolar disorder.
In recent years, a growing number of celebrities, including Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey and Carrie Fisher, have spoken out about having bipolar disorder, helping to ease the stigma that long surrounded the condition.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotions that can lead to changes in sleep patterns and energy levels, and they may exhibit unusual behaviors. These mood changes are drastically different than the moods that are typical for the person, and are marked by shifts between "high" manic episodes and "low" depressive episodes.
Symptoms of a manic episode may include:
- Feeling very "up," "high," or elated
- Having a lot of energy and increase in activity level
- Feeling "jumpy" or "wired"
- Having trouble sleeping
- Talking really fast and jumping to different topics
- Becoming easily agitated or irritable
- Feeling your thoughts go by very fast
- Thinking you are capable of doing many things at once
- Risky behavior, such as spending a lot of money or having reckless sex
Symptoms of a depressive episode may include:
- Feeling very sad, down, empty or hopeless
- Having very little energy, feeling tired or "slowed down"
- Decreased activity levels
- Trouble sleeping, sleeping too much or too little
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling like nothing is enjoyable
- Forgetfulness
- Eating too much or too little
- Thoughts about death and suicide
Risk factors for bipolar disorder
Scientists are still trying to determine the underlying reasons why some people develop bipolar disorder. Most agree that there is no single cause.
However, there are some known risk factors. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so children with a parent or sibling with the condition are much more likely to develop it. Some research also suggests that people with certain genes are more likely to get bipolar disorder than others.
Other studies have found that the structure and functioning of the brains of those with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of healthy people. Scientists are studying these differences, as well as genetic differences, to better understand the disorder and predict which treatments will be most effective.
Getting help: Diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder
If you think you or your child may be suffering from bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor. A psychiatrist or other mental health expert can evaluate the symptoms and behaviors you're experiencing to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
A diagnosis can help you get proper treatment in the form of psychotherapy, medications, or most likely a combination of both. Long-term, continuous treatment can help control symptoms.
For immediate help if you are in a crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or thinking about suicide, tell someone who can help, such as a trusted loved one, your doctor, your licensed mental health professional if you already have one, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
If a loved one is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone and try to get the person to seek help from a doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department or dial 911. It's important to remember to remove access to firearms, medications, or any other potential tools for suicide.