Complexities associated with bipolar disorder
Complexities associated with bipolar disorder
Individuals with bipolar disorder have a increased chance of developing additional health issues that impact their physical and psychological well-being. It's crucial to take proactive measures to prevent potential complications and to identify and address them promptly when they emerge.
Bipolar disorder influences a person's mood, energy levels, and focus, leading to unpredictable periods of mania and depression. This disorder may also coexist with various other health problems, such as substance use disorders and obesity.
This article examines how bipolar disorder might impact various aspects of an individual's well-being and suggests strategies for preventing or managing complications.
Substance use disorders
Substance use disorders are some of the most prevalent complications connected to bipolar disorder. A 2019 study involving over 316,000 people with bipolar disorder found that over half of them had a substance use disorder.
Alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance use disorder among individuals with bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, the use of cannabis or other recreational drugs is not uncommon.
People with bipolar disorder may use these substances as a means to alleviate manic and depressive symptoms. However, these individuals may also have an increased risk of addiction. Research suggests that this increased risk is due to the shared genetic factors and the impact of both bipolar disorder and substance use disorders on the brain's impulsivity and reward areas.
Although substance use can provide temporary relief from bipolar disorder symptoms, it does not address the disease's underlying cause. In fact, it frequently exacerbates bipolar disorder symptoms.
Adhering to a treatment plan for bipolar disorder may help prevent substance use disorders from developing or improve a person's outcome. A psychiatrist can help adjust a person's treatment plan if their current regimen is not effectively managing their bipolar disorder symptoms. They may also suggest medication or cognitive behavioral therapy to aid in the management of addiction symptoms.
Anxiety
Approximately half of people with bipolar disorder will also receive an anxiety disorder diagnosis during their lifetime.
Distinguishing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder from those of bipolar disorder can sometimes be difficult. A person with bipolar disorder may also experience anxiety if they have:
- panic attacks, anxiety, or nervousness between episodes of depression and mania
- significant sleep problems and anxiety when not in a manic state
- difficulty adjusting to medication side effects and selecting the appropriate dosage of medications
Anxiety symptoms do not respond to bipolar disorder treatment. Untreated anxiety may also increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.
Individuals who experience anxiety symptoms outside of manic and depressive episodes should consult with a psychiatrist. Although it can be difficult to prevent anxiety from occurring, medication or cognitive behavioral therapy can often effectively treat its symptoms.
Migraine
Migraine is a common complication of bipolar disorder, with around 40% of people with bipolar disorder experiencing migraine headaches. Experts believe that inflammation plays a role in both conditions.
People with bipolar disorder and migraine tend to have depressive episodes more often than those without migraine, which can have a more significant impact on overall mental health.
A primary care provider or neurologist can help determine whether medication is necessary to manage migraine symptoms. Utilizing a headache journal to track migraine episodes may also aid in identifying potential migraine triggers that can then be avoided to prevent attacks.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
People with bipolar disorder are about twice as likely as the general population to have metabolic syndrome. Obesity and metabolic syndrome affect around 40% of people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects a person's mood and can reduce their energy levels. Studies suggest that people with bipolar disorder spend about 2 hours less per day in physical activity than those without bipolar disorder. This makes it less likely that they will meet the recommended levels of physical activity.
Certain types of medications, including some antipsychotics, may also increase the likelihood of weight gain.
Implementing behavioral and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, may help prevent weight gain in people with bipolar disorder. If weight gain from a bipolar disorder medication is problematic for an individual's health, their doctor may prescribe a different treatment.
Heart disease and diabetes
Individuals with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of both metabolic syndrome and diabetes, which may increase the risk of heart disease. People with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or both should undergo regular monitoring for changes in their lipid and blood glucose levels.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among people with severe mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder. A study involving 12 different studies involving nearly 67,000 people found that people with bipolar disorder are particularly at risk of developing congestive heart failure.
Increasing physical activity and following a heart-healthy diet can help with weight maintenance and the prevention of serious complications from obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders than those without bipolar disorder.
It may be that emotional dysregulation in bipolar disorder increases the likelihood of developing other mental health conditions. Or it may be that these conditions share underlying causes. Both of these factors likely play a role.
Research suggests that the following conditions are more prevalent among people with bipolar disorder:
- Eating issues: Certain research suggests that around half of individuals with bipolar disorder may encounter an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder tend to be prevalent.
- Compulsive Obsessive Disorder (COD): Studies indicate that about half of people with bipolar disorder also grapple with COD.
- Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): An examination of 71 studies involving over 646,000 individuals from 18 countries reveals that approximately half of adults with bipolar disorder also have ADHD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Research suggests that ASD often coexists with bipolar disorder. Given that ASD influences emotional regulation, accurately diagnosing bipolar disorder in such individuals can be complex.
It's essential for mental health specialists to keep a close eye on individuals with bipolar disorder to recognize and address any additional mental health issues.
Overview
People struggling with bipolar disorder can encounter various psychiatric, physical, and mental health challenges that can make managing their health more intricate. In several instances, effectively addressing bipolar disorder can decrease a person's risk of facing complications from other health issues.
A person's psychiatric and primary care teams will cooperate to improve their health and well-being. If a person's treatment strategy is ineffective, their psychiatrist can help determine the appropriate mix of medication and psychotherapy to minimize symptoms. A primary care provider can provide care for certain bipolar disorder-related complications and refer individuals to specialists if necessary.
People with bipolar disorder may also have an increased risk of developing addiction to substances due to shared genetic factors and the impact of both bipolar disorder and substance use disorders on the brain's impulsivity and reward areas.
Individuals with bipolar disorder are about twice as likely as the general population to have metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of heart disease.