Alcohol dependency increases the risk of bipolar disorder by 3% compared to the general population’s 1%. This co-occurrence is surpassed by the occurrence of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in alcohol dependence 3. It was categorized as alcohol use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM 5) combining alcohol diagnosis of abuse and dependence under one study.
The precipitating factor is the death of his wife, the predisposing factor is the history of psychiatric illness in the maternal aunt, and the perpetuating factor of illness in the patient is non-compliance. A depressive episode is different from mood fluctuations commonly experienced by most people, in that the symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) teach you how to deal with mood swings, how to manage them and how to resist drinking. For AUD, a healthcare provider will monitor the administration of medications to reduce alcohol cravings and reduce recovery. Bipolar disorder symptoms vary depending on whether it’s during a mania, hypomania, or depressive episode. You might also find it helpful to join a support group bipolar disorder and alcohol link for people with alcohol use disorder.
Issues Surrounding the Treatment of Comorbid Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism
One proposed explanation is that certain psychiatric disorders (such as bipolar disorder) may be risk factors for substance use. Alternatively, symptoms of bipolar disorder may emerge during the course of chronic alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. Still other studies have suggested that people with bipolar disorder may use alcohol during manic episodes in an attempt at self-medication, either to prolong their pleasurable state or to sedate the agitation of mania.
How Alcohol Exacerbates Manic Episodes
Thus, there is growing evidence that the presence of a concomitant alcohol use disorder may adversely affect the course of bipolar disorder, and the order of onset of the two disorders has prognostic implications. Bipolar disorder, often called manic depression, is a mood disorder that is characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood from euphoria to severe depression, interspersed with periods of normal mood (i.e., euthymia). Bipolar disorder represents a significant public health problem, which often goes undiagnosed and untreated for lengthy periods. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1 to 2 percent of the population and often starts in early adulthood. Alcohol is a depressant that exacerbates depressive episodes in bipolar individuals, increasing feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Chronic alcohol consumption impairs the effectiveness of medication and reduces the ability to control depressive symptoms.
If you do drink, it’s important to limit the amount of alcohol you consume and avoid combining it with other substances, such as cannabis. Regarding birth and early development (history of abuse), no reliable informant was available. He worked in Japan, as a truck driver and exporter of goods, in a bookstore, and taught meditation. The patient got married in 2001 and his wife passed away in 2011 due to breast cancer as per the sex and marital history.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism Together
- Depression is a key symptom of withdrawal from several substances of abuse, and studies have demonstrated that symptoms of withdrawal-related depression may persist for 2 to 4 weeks (Brown and Schuckit 1988).
- Researchers have also proposed that the presence of mania may precipitate or exacerbate alcoholism (Hasin et al. 1985).
- These side effects can affect adherence to treatment and should be monitored and managed.
- This reduction in neuroplasticity can hinder the brain’s resilience to stress and mood fluctuations, potentially triggering bipolar symptoms.
Bipolar disorder combined with alcoholism can be risky and have severe physical and psychological consequences for the individual. Alcohol-induced mania is characterised by extreme impulsivity, risky behaviour and increased emotional instability. Reckless spending, dangerous activities and volatile relationships can also be observed in such individuals. These are hallmarks of bipolar alcoholic traits, often requiring psychiatric evaluation. Traumatic experiences or excessive stress can trigger bipolar episodes and alcohol abuse.
- While the prevalence of bipolar disorder among men and women is approximately equal, available data indicate that women are more often diagnosed.
- The precipitating factor is the death of his wife, the predisposing factor is the history of psychiatric illness in the maternal aunt, and the perpetuating factor of illness in the patient is non-compliance.
- Research indicates that alcohol use can exacerbate symptoms and increase the likelihood of relapse in bipolar patients.
- Mood stabilizers like valproate and lithium should continue to be the first line of treatment for borderline depression (bipolar disorder), with supportive medication focused mostly on bipolar disorder.
- Alcohol initially appears to stabilise mood but soon overturns neurotransmitter function and tends to lead to deeper emotional instability.
Bipolar Disorder & Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
They may require specialized care to prevent the person from doing harm to themselves or others. Stigma and discrimination against people with bipolar disorder are widespread, both in communities and health services. It also fuels social exclusion and can limit opportunities for education, employment and housing. People with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to alcoholism due to self-medication, genetic predisposition and their inability to cope with mood swings. If alcohol consumption exacerbates bipolar symptoms or interferes with daily functioning, professional help is essential. Early intervention increases the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome and long-term well-being.
Are Bipolar People Prone to Alcoholism?
Research shows that up to 45% of people with bipolar disorder may struggling from alcoholism at any one time. Alcohol does not directly cause bipolar disorder, but it can worsen symptoms and trigger mood episodes in individuals already diagnosed with the condition. There are two main types of bipolar disorder, depending on patterns of manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to smoke, use alcohol, have a physical health condition (e.g. cardiovascular or respiratory disease), and experience difficulties in accessing health care.
The relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder is complex and multifaceted, raising questions about whether alcohol can trigger or exacerbate bipolar symptoms. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic highs and depressive lows, while alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can alter brain chemistry. Research suggests that alcohol use is common among individuals with bipolar disorder, often as a form of self-medication to cope with emotional distress. However, alcohol can disrupt mood stability, interfere with medication effectiveness, and increase the risk of manic or depressive episodes. Additionally, chronic alcohol use may worsen the course of bipolar disorder, leading to more frequent and severe mood episodes.
Genetic and Neurological Links
Alcohol is a depressant that can deepen feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lethargy in individuals with bipolar disorder. Those experiencing a depressive episode may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to numb emotional pain, but this only exacerbates the depression over time. The sedative effects of alcohol can also worsen symptoms like fatigue and social withdrawal, making it harder for individuals to engage in therapeutic activities or maintain relationships. This dual burden of alcohol-induced depression and bipolar disorder can increase the risk of suicidal ideation, highlighting the importance of addressing alcohol use in treatment.
Support Groups
Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and promoting better outcomes for those affected by both conditions. A growing number of studies have shown that substance abuse, including alcoholism, may worsen the clinical course of bipolar disorder. Sonne and colleagues (1994) evaluated the course and features of bipolar disorder in patients with and without a lifetime substance use disorder. Although this association does not necessarily indicate that alcoholism worsens bipolar symptoms, it does point out the relationship between them. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Managing this condition often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Although alcohol may provide temporary relief, it exacerbates symptoms and leads to an increased need for professional treatment. Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co-occur, making it challenging to manage both conditions. There are a range of effective treatment options, typically a mix of medicines and psychological and psychosocial interventions.
Mindfulness, exercise and regular routines help maintain stability and prevent relapse. Holistic strategies such as yoga, meditation and nutritional counselling also contribute to overall well-being and preventing relapse for individuals with bipolar alcohol abuse tendencies.. Medications such as mood stabilisers, antipsychotics and antidepressants must be closely monitored to avoid adverse interactions during alcohol withdrawal treatment. Medical supervision is also provided to ensure safe pharmacological treatment especially when dealing with bipolar alcohol abuse. The successful treatment of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder who also struggle from alcoholism requires an integrative approach to both disorders. Since alcohol can alter or enhance bipolar symptoms, treatment typically begins with detox.