New data reveals unemployment has doubled for people with bipolar

Data from NHS England Digital’s latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) has been analysed by national mental health charity Bipolar UK, revealing that the current system is failing to meet the needs of people living with bipolar.

The findings show that people who tested positive for probable bipolar have experienced a disproportionate rise in unemployment over the past decade, increasing from 3.9% in 2014 to 9% in 2024. 

The APMS is a national survey that measures the prevalence of mental health conditions, tracks trends over time and assesses access to treatment. As part of the survey, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was used to screen for probable cases of bipolar. 

It is estimated that over a million people in the UK live with bipolar, and many manage the condition well. However, employment rates among people with bipolar remain significantly lower than the average employment rate of 75%* in the general population. 

Bipolar UK believes that widespread underdiagnosis and inadequate access to specialist treatment may be contributing to rising unemployment and widening inequalities for those who tested positive for probable bipolar. 

The data shows that only 17.8% of people who tested positive have received a professional diagnosis. This points to significant underdiagnosis. Among those who do have a diagnosis, the use of bipolar‑specific medication has also fallen, decreasing from 14.5% to 5.1%. 

Speaking about the APMS findings, CEO of Bipolar UK, Simon Kitchen, said:

"This is the first time this survey has been conducted since 2014, and while the rise in unemployment among people living with bipolar is deeply concerning, it points to a much bigger failure in the system. 

“Fewer than one in five people who tested positive for probable bipolar have received a professional diagnosis. Without this, people are far less likely to access the specialist treatment and support that helps them stay well. This can have serious consequences for every part of their lives, including their ability to work. 

“We regularly hear from people who are struggling at work or falling out of employment altogether, not because they can’t or don’t want to work, but because the right care isn’t in place. Delays to diagnosis leave people managing severe symptoms alone, often for years.

“For those who do have a diagnosis, a lack of understanding about bipolar in the workplace can add further barriers. Despite protections under the Equality Act, many people tell us they fear stigma or negative consequences if they talk about their condition, and that reasonable adjustments are not always offered or understood. 

“This data challenges the misconception that people with bipolar are unable to work. The real issue is a system that diagnoses too late and fails to provide consistent, specialist support. That failure is potentially pushing people out of work who could otherwise live well and fulfil their potential.” 

There are several reasonable adjustments that can help people with bipolar better able to manage in the workplace.

Many of these are neither expensive nor difficult to implement, such as flexible working arrangements, time off for medical appointments, and support plans following episodes of illness.  

Simon Kitchen added: “The benefits of empowering people with bipolar are enormous, for individuals, their families, employers, the NHS and the wider economy. The charity has worked with, and continues to support, thousands of people with bipolar who are working successfully across a wide range of sectors. 

“Improving diagnosis rates and building bipolar‑friendly workplaces benefits everyone.” 

Bipolar UK’s current campaign, Maybe it’s bipolar?, aims to raise awareness of some of the common symptoms of bipolar and encourage people who recognise them to explore this further. The campaign directs individuals to take the MDQ and, where they receive a positive result, provides clear, trusted information to help them seek appropriate support. 

Ultimately, the campaign aims to reduce the average 9.5‑year delay to diagnosis and ensure people affected by bipolar are identified earlier and can access the specialist care and support they need to live and work well. 

Bipolar UK also runs workplace training courses for organisations looking to improve their understanding of bipolar and how to support colleagues living with the condition.