Bipolar treatment: Are bipolar I and bipolar II treated differently?

Naltrexone (ReVia™) is an FDA-approved medication designed to decrease cravings for alcohol. Maxwell and Shinderman (2000) reviewed the use of naltrexone in the treatment of alcoholism in 72 patients with major mental disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depression. Eighty-two percent of patients stayed on naltrexone for at least 8 weeks, 11 percent discontinued the medication because of side effects, and the remaining 7 percent discontinued for other reasons. The authors concluded that naltrexone was useful in treating patients with comorbid psychiatric and alcohol problems. However, Sonne and Brady (2000) reported on two cases of bipolar women (both actively hypomanic) who received naltrexone for alcohol cravings, and both had significant side effects similar to those of opiate withdrawal.

The Link Between Alcohol and Bipolar Disorder

Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider. Both tend to occur more frequently in people who have a family member with the condition. Involving the family in recovery can provide emotional support and stability that contribute to a more effective recovery.

Why People with Bipolar Disorder May Turn to Alcohol

Shared genetic vulnerabilities may increase susceptibility to both disorders. In addition, imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are also thought to contribute to the development of both disorders. In BD, comorbid SUD and especially AUD are rather the rule than the exception.

Depressive disorders

• The symptoms of alcohol abuse and withdrawal can closely mimic those of bipolar disorder, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
• Additionally, we’ll explore how alcohol interacts with medications used to manage bipolar disorder, and the potential implications for treatment.
• A manic episode involves an extended period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, accompanied by heightened energy or activity levels lasting at least a week (or any duration if hospitalization is required).
• It can possibly relieve the negative symptoms of bipolar disorder temporarily, yet can increase chances of worsening the disorder later on.

Keep reading to learn about alternative, healthy coping mechanisms and practical tips to manage both alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder. Another misconception is that occasional drinking is harmless for individuals with bipolar disorder. However, even moderate alcohol consumption can interfere with the delicate balance of brain chemistry and mood stability that those with bipolar disorder strive to maintain. Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction to alcohol and bipolar disorder? Many inpatient and outpatient programs help deal with both disorders, ideally eliminating the cravings for alcohol and stabilizing bipolar disorder. Contact a treatment provider today for more information on treatment plans and options for dealing with this co-occurring disorder.

Integrated Treatment Programs/Dual Diagnosis Treatment

• Because of this, people with both conditions may not get the full treatment they need at first.
• This approach shows superior outcomes compared to treating each disorder in isolation.
• Fortunately, there are numerous resources available for individuals dealing with both bipolar disorder and alcohol use issues.
• Bipolar II disorder has episodes of depression and hypomanic episodes but no mania.

Chronic alcohol consumption promotes neurodegenerative effects and makes it even more difficult to gain control over moods and maintain recovery. “These medication-related findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of medication regimens in managing patients with BD who drink alcohol,” noted Dr. Sperry. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Bipolar disorder symptoms vary depending on whether it’s during a mania, hypomania, or depressive episode. It’s also possible to experience episodes of depression with manic symptoms simultaneously. Rather, it encompasses several types, each with distinct criteria related to the intensity and duration of episodes.

Symptoms

It is important to recognize that addressing one condition in isolation may not lead to successful outcomes if the other condition remains untreated. Integrated treatment programs that account for the unique needs of individuals with dual diagnoses are considered the gold standard for effectively managing these complex cases. The intertwining relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder extends beyond the psychological and genetic aspects. It also encompasses the interaction between alcohol consumption and medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Studies have consistently demonstrated a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorders among individuals with bipolar disorder compared to the general population. Research estimates suggest that approximately 30% to 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder also experience alcohol use disorders at some point in their lives.

These calls are offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. To identify AUD, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your habits and your body’s reactions to drinking. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as bipolar-specific support groups can provide a more stable atmosphere with better accountability in many ways. Table 1 supplies an overview of double-blind, randomized pharmacological studies for comorbid bipolar affective and AUDs, based on a systematic PubMed search. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding alcohol and bipolar disorder grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. Bipolar support groups and 12-step programs provide a much-needed social network.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

These results will help identify various treatment options that best fit your situation. If you stop your medicine, you may have withdrawal effects or your symptoms may get worse or return. You may become very depressed, think about suicide, or go into a manic or hypomanic episode. If you think you need to make a change, call your healthcare professional. Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.

Research has shown a clear association between these two entities, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of their interplay. By the end of this journey, we hope to shed light on the complex relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder. We aim to understand the challenges faced in treating individuals with dual diagnoses and explore potential solutions. So, let us embark on this exploration together, raising awareness and understanding, and paving the way for support and healing. Bipolar II disorder and cyclothymia are even more difficult to reliably diagnose because of the more subtle nature of the psychiatric symptoms. Because of the diagnostic difficulties, it may be that this diagnostic group is often overlooked.

Although, alcohol can increase the negative effects of bipolar disorder in either direction, flaming the fire with each sip. It’s also worth noting that while this article has focused on alcohol, the relationship between bipolar disorder and other substances is equally important. For instance, can weed cause bipolar is another common question, as marijuana use is prevalent among individuals with bipolar disorder. Similarly, can drug use cause bipolar disorder is a topic of ongoing research and concern. One of the most pressing questions for individuals with bipolar disorder and their loved ones is whether alcohol makes bipolar disorder worse.