Bipolar Dual Diagnosis Treatment
In a depressed state, a person may feel unhappy and hopeless for long periods of time. These people may also feel numb toward activities they enjoy doing and isolate themselves from others. In a manic state, a person may be highly irritable, experience prolonged periods of feeling upbeat, and experience energy surges. These extreme changes in mood can affect every aspect of a person’s life.
People with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of substance abuse as a coping mechanism. This can cause severe health problems and worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Individuals with other psychological disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may also turn to substance abuse as a form of self-medication.
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 can be functionally impaired and may need to be hospitalized for safety reasons.
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 long 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, not unlike in anxiety disorders
- 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 Episodes Symptoms
- High energy
- Elevated mood
- High self-confidence
- Excessive talking
- Loss of sleep
- Irritable
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 early in the diagnosis process.
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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. Many people with bipolar disorder have at least one family member with the same disorder, and having a parent with bipolar disorder can correlate with a high chance of developing bipolar disorder over time.
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 lead to poor coping skills, which can lead to poor management of bipolar symptoms when they develop. People may go years without knowing they have bipolar disorder, which can cause severe mental impairment.
How Can Bipolar Disorder Lead to Substance Use Disorder?
Bipolar Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is a treatment program that is specifically designed to treat people struggling with both addiction and mental illness, including bipolar disorder.
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 to last much longer than expected.
It can be hard for people to accept that they need treatment, so it is important to have a close friend or family member for motivation and encouragement. Most people who seek out treatment do not do so until years after their addiction has developed. This means that symptoms have greatly intensified which makes recovery much more difficult.
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. Medications may also be used for managing withdrawal symptoms of substance use disorders
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 can help individuals:
- Create healthy habits
- Manage stress
- Develop coping skills
- Address underlying issues
- Improve self-confidence
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 will alleviate the symptoms of addiction and bipolar disorder.
Recovery and Support
- Ongoing Therapy: Regular therapy sessions to sustain progress and address any emerging challenges. Consistent therapeutic support is crucial for long-term recovery.
- Support Groups: Participation in support groups, such as 12-step programs, to receive ongoing support and education. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide invaluable encouragement.
- Medication Management: Continuous medication management can help maintain stability and reduce symptoms over time. Adhering to prescribed medications is essential for managing both mental health and substance use disorders.
- Family Support: Ongoing family support and education can be necessary to create a nurturing and understanding environment. Family involvement can significantly enhance the recovery process.
- Self-Care: Engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies, can help promote overall well-being. Prioritizing self-care helps manage stress and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
By maintaining ongoing support and treatment, individuals with a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and addiction can achieve long-term recovery and improve their overall quality of life. Recovery is a journey. But with the right support, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
Receive Bipolar Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Magnolia City Detox
Here at Magnolia City Detox, we are committed to helping individuals get the treatment they need to recover. Our dual-diagnosis treatment program is designed to mitigate the effects of bipolar disorder and break the cycle of addiction. We have a team of drug addiction and mental health professionals that provide you with the care you need. Substance misuse and other mental health disorders can be hard to deal with, but you don’t have to do it alone.
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 today.
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.
