Comorbidity is a fancy word for multiple disorders coexisting. In addition to bipolar disorder, you may suffer other psychiatric illnesses, such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, memory problems, substance abuse, or personality disorders. This article will discuss how these five coexisting disorders affect bipolar disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD can cause problems in those with manic depression, as the amphetamines that are used to treat ADHD will trigger mania or psychosis. Of course if the ADHD isn’t treated, then it can be difficult to work or concentrate. A psychiatrist will usually prescribe a cocktail of drugs, which should manage the mania resulting from amphetamines. There are also new drugs on the market which can treat ADHD without the use of amphetamines.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder occur in about 25% of those of manic depression. Panic attacks can be a devastating fact of life, which can shut your work routine and daily life down completely. Antidepressants will usually solve most symptoms of anxiety.
Memory Problems
Cognitive problems are common in bipolar disorder, as there tends to be a decrease in the amount of gray matter in certain parts of the brain that deal with memory and concentration. In addition, psychotropic drugs can cloud the thinking and judgment of manic depressives. There is a healthy balance between normal functioning and controlling your mood, and your psychiatrist should be able to help you find bipolar medications that will help achieve this balance.
Substance Abuse
People with bipolar disorder are much more susceptible to substance abuse of all kinds, whether they be alcohol, cigarettes, sedatives, diet pills, or amphetamines. Alcoholism affects about a third to half of those with bipolar disorder, and over 50% of those with manic depression are smokers. Substance abuse is something that must be gotten under control, as this form of self medication only makes bipolar disorder worse with time, often resulting in psychosis.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders such as narcissistic and obsessive compulsive disorders will exist with bipolar disorder, especially during a manic phase. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, in order to teach how one should not behave, is usually helpful to controlling most personality disorders, as these usually respond very poorly to medical treatment.