Bipolar Disorder and Substance Addiction Term Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1309 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 4

[Frank et.al, 2006)]

Baethge et.al (2005) examined substance use disorders in patients with first episode BP 1 disorder using 'Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders' (SCID). The study included a total of 172 patients who were admitted in the McLean hospitals between 1989 and 1996 for clinically diagnosed first lifetime manic/mixed BP 1 episodes. All the 172 subjects underwent follow-up assessment at 6,12 and 24 months respectively. Results from the study indicate that 37 (33.0%) were substance addicts at entry and this increased to 38.8% at the end of the study period. Statistical analysis further revealed that cannabis dependent subjects had more prolonged manic episodes (mean=26.8%, SD=34.0%, versus mean=11.5%, SD=19.1%; ratio=2.3:1), whereas alcohol dependant subjects had increased episodes of depression (mean=11.9%, SD=22.9%, in mania vs. mean=21.9%, SD=29.5%, in depression; ratio=1:1.8). Also morbidity was higher among polysubstance abusers. [Baethge et.al, 2005]

A more recent study by Wilens et.al (2009) analyzed 105 bipolar adolescent probands and 98 non-mood disordered control subjects. The first-degree relatives of the subjects were also assessed. This study by the Massachusetts General Hospital used DSM-IV-based structured interviews. The researchers interviewed primary caregivers, adolescent subjects and their siblings. Data pertaining to substance abuse was gathered using the DSM-IV Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders (KSADS) diagnostic criteria. The results indicated that subjects with BP disorder had an overall higher rate of substance use disorder (controls 4% and BPD 34%). Alcohol abuse (controls 3%, BPD 23%) and drug abuse (controls 1%, BPD 22%) were higher among the BP subjects. Statistical analysis also revealed that 14% of BP subjects had both alcohol and drug use disorder compared to none in the control group.

Stuck Writing Your "Bipolar Disorder and Substance Addiction" Term Paper?

View All Our Example Bipolar Disorder and Substance Addiction Term Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

This study clearly showed that there was a clear association between BP disorder and different types of substance use disorders. [Wilens et.al (2009)]

Another recent study by Pacchiarotti et.al (2009) focused on the onset of BP disorder preceded by substance abuse. For this purpose the researchers studied the clinical outcome of BP disorder (1 and 2) patients who had a history of substance use that preceded BP diagnosis. A group of BP disorder patients (n=145) who had a history of substance use (SUBP) prior to the first mood symptomatology onset were compared with a control group (n= 144) comprising of BP disorder patients whose first symptomatic diagnosis was unrelated to any substance use. Final analysis of the socio demographic and the clinical variables indicated that the SUBP patients had less severe and less frequent hypomanic episodes suggesting a milder psychopathology compared to the control group. The result of this study suggests that first time clinical diagnosis of BP preceded by substance use is often a milder form and is more effectively managed by prevention programs for substance misuse. [Pacchiarotti et.al (2009)]

Conclusion

Compared to the general population, patients with bipolar disorder are more at risk for substance abuse and addiction. Substance abuse also has a bi-directional influence. Since substance abuse is a common disorder in a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions such as BP, ADHD, CD, etc., understanding the comorbid relations would help in better treatment and management of the patients presenting with these conditions. Prophylactic and early interventions among BP disorder patients would substantially.....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Bipolar Disorder And Substance Addiction" (2009, December 07) Retrieved May 18, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/bipolar-disorder-substance-addiction-74423

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Bipolar Disorder And Substance Addiction" 07 December 2009. Web.18 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/bipolar-disorder-substance-addiction-74423>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Bipolar Disorder And Substance Addiction", 07 December 2009, Accessed.18 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/bipolar-disorder-substance-addiction-74423
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example