Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 6/10/2008

Question
Are recoving drug addicts most likly to generate a Bipolar Disoder?, because my boyfriend is a recovering drug addict and he seems like he has the sympthoms of the disorder and i want to know what i can do to help him, i know there are medications for this but he does have an irregular heart beat and i dont know if it would be safe for him to take medican. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Nichole . . .

The relationship between bipolar disorder and substance abuse is a complex one. It is well known that about 50% of people with bipolar disorder become substance abusers. It is also true that it is possible that some individuals without bipolar disorder may appear to have that disorder either when abusing substances or immediately following withdrawal from substances of abuse.

Only a psychiatrist with much experience diagnosing bipolar disorder can make an accurate diagnosis.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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