BIPOLAR DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT
People with bipolar disorder are more at risk of substance abuse as a coping mechanism. This can cause severe health problems and worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one may be struggling with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, it’s important to come from a perspective of dual diagnosis treatment.
What are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?
Those diagnosed with Bipolar I have had at least one manic episode before or after a long period of depression or hypomania. Hypomania is a milder form of mania where people may experience euphoria and high energy. Mania may cause a person to feel a detachment from reality, known as psychosis.
People with this form of bipolar experience the most sudden and severe mood swings. Those who suffer from the effects of Bipolar I are functionally impaired and must be hospitalized for safety reasons.
People with Bipolar II disorder have experienced episodes of depression or hypomania, but have never had a manic episode. This is a milder form of bipolar, but it can still have negative effects on a person’s livelihood. Those with Bipolar II may experience longer periods of depression and hypomania, but mood changes will not be as dramatic.
This disorder is characterized by milder episodes of depression and hypomania that are not as strong as Bipolar I and II.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Depressive Symptoms
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Changes in mood, appetite, and sleeping patterns
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Loss of interest
- An impending sense of doom
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Social isolation
Manic Symptoms
- High energy
- Elevated mood
- High self-confidence
- Excessive talking
- Loss of sleep
- Irritable
It is important to be wary of these symptoms as they can worsen over time. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, symptoms can be eased with treatment. Managing bipolar disorder symptoms can seem like a battle. But with the right care, it is possible. If you or a family member are struggling with bipolar disorder or another mental health disorder, it’s important to look into treatment options.
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Causes and Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder
The origins of bipolar disorder are still unknown, but there are certain factors that can lead to the development of this mental illness.
Genetics is one of the major causes of bipolar disorder. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, about two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one family member with a severe mood disorder.
Neurological factors can cause severe mood disorders if the chemicals in the brain are imbalanced. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, control a person’s mood. If these chemicals are imbalanced, people may experience depressive or manic episodes.
Children are especially susceptible to mood disorders while the brain is still developing. Growing up in a stressful, violent, or chaotic environment can cause bipolar disorder among other developmental issues.
Understanding the causes and risk factors of bipolar disorder can help people identify and address this condition in a timely manner. People may go years without knowing they have bipolar disorder, which can cause severe mental impairment. Look into immediate treatment options if you or a loved one is showing signs of bipolar disorder.
How Can Bipolar Disorder Lead to Addiction?
Bipolar disorder can cause people to have episodes of depression or mania. People may try to regulate their emotions by turning to substance use. Substance use and addiction may feel impossible to overcome, but there is hope.
Here at Magnolia City Detox, we have a variety of treatment options designed to treat people with addiction and a co-occurring disorder.
What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
A co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis, is a situation where someone struggling with substance use and addiction is also diagnosed with a mental disorder. Treating substance use with a co-occurring disorder is extremely complex. Both substance use and mental disorders must be treated together in order to maximize the effectiveness of a dual diagnosis program. Co-occurring disorders involving substance abuse and mental health disorders can be hard to combat on your own.
The effects of drug abuse and a co-occurring disorder can cause further mental impairment and comprehensive treatment is required to treat both simultaneously. Those who struggle with substance use and a co-occurring disorder experience major dysfunction in all aspects of their life. Substance use with co-occurring disorders may affect:
- Relationships
- Work
- Mental health
- Mood
- Overall stability
Bipolar Dual Diagnosis
Bipolar dual diagnosis is a treatment program that is specifically designed to treat people struggling with both addiction and bipolar disorder. Those with bipolar dual diagnosis face some of the most extreme challenges when it comes to treatment.
The combination of bipolar symptoms and addiction symptoms has a severe effect on a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Bipolar is a mood disorder that causes periods of repeating depressive and manic episodes. Using substances with bipolar disorder can cause prolonged episodes that are much stronger. Those with bipolar dual diagnosis may face the following challenges:
- Have longer and more frequent manic or depressive episodes
- Experience suicidal thoughts or actions
- Face legal or financial consequences
- Experience relationship dysfunction
It can be hard for people with bipolar disorder to accept that they need treatment. Most people who seek out treatment do not do so until years after their addiction has developed. It is important to have a close friend or family member for motivation and encouragement
Treatment for Dual Diagnosis
The treatment required for bipolar dual diagnosis is complex. Some of the major steps of dual diagnosis treatment include the following.
In order to minimize the effects of bipolar disorder, clients may receive mood stabilizers such as antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. This helps mitigate the symptoms of depressive and manic episodes and helps stabilize mood.
Different forms of psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and family therapy are used to help patients develop skills necessary for recovery. Psychotherapy is effective in treating dual diagnosis because it helps clients.
- Create healthy habits
- Manage stress
- Develop coping skills
- Address underlying issues
- Improve self-confidence
Support groups help people connect and relate with others who are going through recovery. Finding common ground and listening to others share their experiences can help clients discover more about themselves. Co-occurring disorders involving a substance use disorder can benefit greatly from support groups.
Lifestyle modifications can make the recovery process much easier in many different ways. Eating healthy, engaging in regular exercise, and adhering to a consistent sleep schedule can serve as healthy coping mechanisms for the symptoms of both addiction and bipolar disorder.
Receive Bipolar Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Magnolia City Detox
Here at Magnolia City Detox, we are committed to helping you get the treatment you deserve. Our dual diagnosis treatment program is designed to mitigate the effects of bipolar disorder and help to break the cycle of addiction. Our team of drug addiction and mental health professionals can help provide you with the care you need.
Don’t let addiction take control of your life. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for bipolar dual diagnosis, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Dr. Olaniyi O. Osuntokun
Dr. Olaniyi O. Osuntokun is a Neurology & Psychiatry Specialist based in Conroe, Texas, and Lafayette, Indiana. He has extensive experience in treating Individuals with substance use disorders and addiction. He earned his medical degree from University of Ibadan College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
