Many studies have found a link between bipolar disorder and substances abuse disorders in adults, but little research has been conducted on adolescents with bipolar disorder. The Massachusetts researchers, led by Timothy E. Wilens, PhD, examined 105 young people diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 98 without the diagnosis. They were between 10 to 18 years of age.
They all completed questionnaires on alcohol abuse, drug use and smoking. They were also assessed for other mental health problems.
More Likely to Be Drug Dependent
Compared with the controls, the adolescents with bipolar disorder were:- 7.6 times more likely to have abused alcohol.
- 18.5 times more likely to have used drugs.
- 12.1 times more likely to be substance abuse dependent.
- 12.3 times more likely to have smoked cigarettes.
Careful Screening Needed
The above risks were reported independently of other mental health problems such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, multiple anxiety disorders and conduct disorder, the authors wrote."Adolescent bipolar disorder is a significant risk factor for substance use disorders and cigarette smoking, independent of psychiatric comorbidity," Wilens concluded. "Adolescents with bipolar disorder should be carefully screened for cigarette smoking and substance use disorders."
Source:
Wilens, Timonthy E, et. al. "Further evidence of an association between adolescent bipolar disorder with smoking and substance use disorders: A controlled study" Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 1 June 2008.
