Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a manic-depressive illness that may involve unusual shifts in energy, motivation, activity levels, and more. There are several types of BPD, each characterized based on one’s symptoms, severity, and length of time experienced. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with BPD, understanding the causes of this disorder can provide added insight.

Genetics have long been part of the discussion when to mental illnesses. For BPD in particular, research has shown that if you have first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) with this disorder, this is the greatest chance that you could develop it, too. A 2014 research piece published in the journal Applied Clinical Genetics emphasized an exciting finding from the research community, with common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) being widely associated with BPD in particular. However, scientists are still exploring, and there is much of genetics and BPD that remains unclear.

Many times, people with BPD have family members with other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and more. The U.S. National Library of Medicine claims that some families experience higher rates of BPD than others, and the reasons for this are currently unknown. All in all, it is estimated that approximately 2.8% of the U.S. population has this disorder, meaning that you are not alone!

If you’ve been diagnosed with BPD but have not yet sought treatment, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center today. For many people, BPD can significantly affect various aspects of daily living, including work, home, and social life. Treatment for BPD may include medication, psychotherapy (both individual and group), holistic activities such as meditation and acupuncture, and more.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

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A 2015 study published in the journal Bipolar Disorders sought to explore the association of smoking behaviors to those with BPD, and to see if smoking occurred moderately compared to those with major depressive disorder (MDD) or schizophrenia. A total of 56 articles were analyzed, and researchers found that smoking rates may be much higher for those with BPD than the general population, but in-between those with MDD or schizophrenia (with schizophrenia showing the highest severity for tobacco use). Why might smoking be so prevalent among those with BPD, or even with other disorders? Let’s explore some common reasons:

• May help a person cope with stress, depression, etc.
• Manic episodes could cause someone to smoke more, as their heightened energy and risk for substance abuse increases
• An addiction to tobacco could have been developed at a younger age and cessation never occurred

Smoking cigarettes may provide immediate relief, but it is not quite the healthiest for your mind, body, and spirit. However, it’s understandable that you may want to focus on your mental health recovery and possibly an addiction (such as alcohol, prescription, or illicit drugs), but may not quite be ready to give up tobacco yet. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about options to best suit your needs. Recovery is possible.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

The post Bipolar Disorder and Smoking Tobacco: An Association More Common Than You Think appeared first on Khiron Clinics.

A 2017 study published in the journal Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment sought to explore this very topic by assessing 44 men and women aged 18-65 with comorbid BPD and alcohol dependency. Over a three-month period, researchers examined the extent to which participants’ depressive and manic episodes were associated with their cravings for alcohol. Ultimately, results from the study indicated a link between both depressive and manic episodes to alcohol cravings. What does this mean for you?

By recognizing that either type of episode can trigger the craving to drink, we can take precautionary steps to prevent risk of relapse. Some of these steps may include:

• Taking medication prescribed as directed
• Recognizing when a certain episode is coming on
• Reaching out to your healthcare team or social network for additional support when feeling low or out of control
• Finding other ways to release anger, guilt, depression, and other difficult feelings such as through journaling, writing poetry or music, dancing, etc.

Having a comorbid disorder can be difficult to manage on one’s own, which is why it’s important to seek treatment when you can. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about options to best suit your needs. Recovery is possible, and you are not alone.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

The post Moods of Bipolar Disorder and AUD Linked to Alcohol Cravings appeared first on Khiron Clinics.