Alcoholism Support Group
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Is there a connection between bipolar disorder and 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. Its 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.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/AN00920
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. Its 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.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/AN00920
I will add that she most likely lied to her doctor because of legal issues due to her drug habits.
She acts bipolar when she is using. She's a nut basket when she's using and coming down and knows she's out of the drug.
suicidal ideation,panic disorder, post-traumatic stress. to fight both illnesses is sometimes close to impossible. just the other day i was having flashbacks and i had to call someone to sit with me. you see, they are terrifying because they seem to be absolutely happening. thanks for bringing a pertinent topic up. some of us have a bit extra we're dealing with....