Research on Bipolar Disorder & Addiction

In yesterday's posting, I said that I would look into current research and information on the relationship between bipolar disorder and addictive behavior, and I've found some great info and links.

It appears that about 60% of those with bipolar disorder will have problems with substance abuse at some point in their life. This problem actually has its own term, "dual diagnosis", meaning a combination of mental disorder and addiction. Many people with mood disorders tend to self-medicate. Seems there is still less shame associated with being an alcoholic or drug abuser than with having a mental disorder.

A very recent study from January 2009 in the European Psychiatry (referenced below), had preliminary results showing "a strong relationship between Bipolar II Disorders and Alcohol Addiction: hypomanic states induce high risk behaviours which may become responsible for relapse and increased alcohol consumption".

Below are a few recent studies and helpful web articles that I found. Beware when you do mental health searches on search engines. Many of the results that come up are sites trying to see you something.

• Everyday Health Website - "Bipolar disorder and addiction: The dual diagnosis"
• J of Clin Psychiatry, 2006 - "Management of comorbid bipolar disorder and substance abuse"
• European Psychiatry, 2009 - "Alcohol addiction and bipolar disorders"
• Organized Wisdom Website - "Bipolar disorder and addiction"

MooDay

Busy week at work. It is start of the summer semester and I teach. So although I realize that I am hypomanic right now, slowing down is not an option. Maybe next week. Taking meds as I should, but already thinking about having a drink when I get home.

Mood-ie-meter
Manic 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 depresseD

This blog is for informational purposes only, it is not intended to be used for the treatment of mental illness. If you are having emotional troubles, please see a mental health professional.