When Bipolar Patients Abuse Drugs – The Dual Diagnosis Dilemma

Most people familiar with public health issues are aware of the challenges posed by “dual diagnosis” patients -- those with both a psychiatric diagnosis and a substance abuse diagnosis. But the special case of addicted bipolar disorder patients is particularly problematic. Writing in the August issue of Current Psychiatry, Bryan K. Tolliver lists the severe outcomes that plague the victims of bipolar disorder who are also substance abusers: “Poor treatment compliance, longer and more frequent mood episodes, more mixed episodes, more hospitalizations, more suicide attempts.”