Survey finds one third of manic depressives are unemployed

People who suffer from manic depression in Ireland face alienation from society, according to a survey conducted by the Boyne Research Institute.

The survey found that one third of people suffering from manic depression in Ireland are unemployed, with many losing jobs because of their illness.

It also found that a life-changing event like the birth of a baby, starting university or a relationship break-up can contribute to the onset of the condition, which causes dramatic mood swings in sufferers.

The Boyne Research Institute, which carries out medical studies for pharmaceutical firms and Government health projects, said the average age of diagnosis for manic depression in Ireland is 34 years.