A Connection Between Bipolar Disorder & Alcoholism?
Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., answers:
Bipolar disorder and alcoholism frequently occur together. In some cases, bipolar disorder clearly develops before alcoholism. Bipolar disorder may increase the risk of alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse. It’s not clear why this occurs. But it may have a genetic component.
When bipolar disorder and alcoholism occur together, each can worsen the symptoms and severity of the other. Alcohol or other substance abuse can also complicate treatment efforts for bipolar disorder, and vice versa.
A psychiatrist may use the term “dual diagnosis” when referring to a person who has both bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Treatment may require the expertise of psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals who specialize in treating people with dual disorders.
Filed under: alcoholism, substance abuse | Tagged: bipolar disorder, diagnosis and treatment, health, mental health, psychiatrist
Considering the high percentage of BP’s who have substance abuse problems, there shouldn’t be a question whether or not a there is a connection.
We all know there is and I can’t understand the significance of this finding because I thought it was common knowledge they are connected.
Oh well, any awareness is good awareness. Hopefully, we can end the discrimination and erase the stigma that exists.
I agree, but I think what the article is trying to stress is the connection. People with mental illness go against doctor’s instructions and go off meds and abuse drugs and alcohol.
My pdoc is forever trying to impress the fact that the awareness is out there, but people are just not listening and landing in hospitals and remaining unwell. On a different note though - the big, ugly word ’stigma’ will always be around unfortunately.
I’ve always said that alcoholism is bipolor disease. Just add the alcohol and there you go