Final answer:
While bipolar disorder itself is not directly fatal, it can lead to life-threatening conditions and behaviors, such as an increased risk of self harm and heart disease, which can be fatal. The given statement is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question, 'Can bipolar disorder be fatal?', is one that addresses the severity and potential health outcomes associated with bipolar disorder. While bipolar disorder in itself isn't directly fatal, it significantly increases the risk of self harm and has a strong association with life-threatening co-morbidities such as heart disease.
Studies have found that the risk of self harm is elevated in individuals with bipolar disorder, supporting the idea that indirect consequences of the disorder can be fatal. Novick, D. M., Swartz, H. A., & Frank, E. in their meta-analysis found a heightened rate of self harm attempts among patients with bipolar I and II disorder. Moreover, research has demonstrated that bipolar disorder is linked to higher mortality rates due to physical health issues, such as heart disease.
The excess mortality in both bipolar and unipolar depression is well-documented. Ösby, U., Brandt, L., Correia, N., Ekbom, A., & Sparén, P. found that in Sweden there was significant excess mortality, much of it due to cardiovascular disease, pointing to serious physical health consequences as a result of bipolar disorder. Consequently, it is the associated risks and complications that can lead to fatal outcomes, rather than the bipolar disorder itself being an immediately life-threatening condition.