Do other people have both bipolar disorder and MS?
Yes, you're definitely not alone in having both conditions. Bipolar disorder occurs in about 13 percent of people with MS, which is significantly higher than the 1-5 percent seen in the general population.
A MyMSTeam member shared experiencing "MS plus bipolar disorder," Show Full Answer
Do other people have both bipolar disorder and MS?
Yes, you're definitely not alone in having both conditions. Bipolar disorder occurs in about 13 percent of people with MS, which is significantly higher than the 1-5 percent seen in the general population.
A MyMSTeam member shared experiencing "MS plus bipolar disorder," showing that others in the community navigate both conditions too.
Why does this happen?
Research has found there's an increased risk of bipolar disorder among people with MS, though it may not be as common as depression or anxiety. The relationship between MS and mental health conditions is complex and not fully understood.
Managing both conditions
Having both MS and bipolar disorder means you're dealing with comorbidities - multiple chronic conditions at the same time. The good news is that working with both an MS neurologist and a mental health professional (like a psychotherapist) can help you manage both effectively.
Since you were just diagnosed with MS two weeks ago, it's particularly important to discuss your bipolar diagnosis with your MS care team so they can coordinate your treatment plans.
December 5, 2025
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