According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, about one in five American adults have a mental health problem. Furthermore, approximately 60 percent of those with a mental illness also have a substance abuse problem. Rep. Patrick Kennedy's recent drug rehabilitation is a well-publicized example of this combination of health problems. Rep. Kennedy announced that he's been diagnosed with addiction and bipolar disorder. Experts believe that one problem can make the patient more vulnerable to the other problem. They've found that substance abuse often serves as a trigger for the onset of a mental health condition or vice versa.
Some experts believe that certain types of mental disorders and addictions may even be a single disease. One indication is that studies have found similarities within the brain chemistry of certain mental illnesses and addiction. Other research has found that when one of the conditions deteriorates, the other condition will also deteriorate. This is often seen in bipolar disorder and substance abuse problems.
Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive disorder) is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging between episodes of high elation (mania) and deep depression. Studies show that bipolar disorder patients have a very high rate of alcohol addiction. Bipolar patients have a seven times greater incidence of alcoholism than that of the general population, including those with other types of mental disorders.
Experts agree that both the mental health problem and substance abuse problem need to be treated simultaneously. A dual treatment program that integrates addictive substances detoxification with mental health care can effectively get both problems under control. Furthermore, a good therapeutic alliance between doctor and patient will help prevent relapses of both problems.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 31, 2006 03:18 PM
