RSBM.
You’re correct that depressive episodes are quite common, but bipolar requires at least one manic or hypomanic episode which is much less common (~4% among adults). And despite how common mental illness actually is, there is still a huge amount of stigma surrounding it. Women especially are often dismissed as being “crazy”. Of course, I have no way of making a diagnosis without SW’s medical records but I did not see any signs that might point to bipolar. And I think the Watts family was just using it as a derogatory description rather than an actual diagnosis.
Sadly, there is stigma in the community, and it should be dealth with, as help is available. I have noticed that our kids are way more aware and tolerant of psychiatric disorders than our generation.
As to the numbers, they vary by the country, by the researcher, and mostly, by the time period.
"from the mid-1970s to 2000, the rate of mania (variably labeled major affective disorder–bipolar disorder and bipolar I disorder) was consistently identified in US and international studies as ranging from 0.4% to 1.6%. By the late 1990s to the 2000s, the prevalence reported by some researchers for bipolar disorders (I and II and others) was in the 5% to 7% and higher ranges" (NCBI resources). " I have also read a while ago that 1/3 of people diagnosed with depression will eventually be rediagnosed with bipolar disorder. So, true numbers are not really known.
I have never met the diagnosis that would reflect the views and personal opinions of the specialists more than bipolar disorder, with, possibly, the exception of borderline personality disorder. (It, too, is often used in a derogatory way in the community, which is sad as psychotherapy is available to people suffering from it). Also, given than "mood disorder with mixed features" is used more frequently, the whole group of patients with "depression and anxiety" might be moved to "mixed" group as well.
As I have mentioned, neither of us has seen Shanann. If the Wattses merely pulled the diagnosis out of their noses, it is one thing, but it is also possible that Shanann shared something with Chris, and as he discussed it with his parents, they inflated whatever it was to the extreme.
Shanann's situation might have been complicated by lupus. Anyone who is put on steroids might experience depressive or hypomanic epizode, without being diagnosed with affective disorder.
