Bipolar disorder is a mood affliction often characterized by symptoms of mania and depression. Alcohol use is a common occurrence among people with bipolar disorder because it is generally a way to calm themselves and reduce the symptoms in the moment. Displays of anger are not uncommon for those battling bipolar disorder, alcohol problems or a combination of the two.
Basics
Bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse occurring together can bring out or intensify a person's anger. When a person has a combination of these problems, she could receive a dual diagnosis from a mental health professional.
Significance
The combination of alcohol use with bipolar disorder and intensified anger can only make a person's prognosis more severe. The question of whether bipolar disorder or alcohol problems develop first completely depends on the individual characteristics. According to the MayoClinic.com, some individuals begin using alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, while others abuse alcohol to the point that it triggers the onset of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bipolar disorder include manic episodes, which will display as euphoria, high energy levels, irritability, rapid speech, racing thoughts, impulsiveness, reckless behaviors and unrealistic beliefs about his abilities, according to the website HelpGuide. The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder will include intense sadness, feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, feelings of worthlessness, inability to find pleasure in anything, changes in sleep and appetite, irritability and suicidal thoughts.
If a person with bipolar disorder is abusing alcohol, they will continue to drink despite the negative effects the alcohol use has on their relationships, finances, and school or work performance.
Considerations
The MayoClinic.com reports that bipolar disorder and alcohol use can make the symptoms of both problems more severe and the treatment more complicated. Also, both bipolar disorder and alcohol use can affect a person's mood and levels of anger. Both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder can induce feelings of anger and frustration even when alcohol is not involved. When a person drinks alcohol, his anger can intensify and worsen to the point that he becomes increasingly aggressive and possibly even violent.
Treatment
Treatments for a person with bipolar disorder who also displays tendencies for anger and drinks alcohol might require several different interventions and steps. According to the MayoClinic.com, treatment will need to involve a psychiatrist and a mental health professional or professionals who have a significant level of experience and success treating a person with dual-diagnosis.
Treatment steps could begin with reducing or discontinuing the intake of alcohol. Taking this step might reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder and anger. In the meantime, mental health professionals will work to determine the use of medication in the treatment process. The person will also become engaged in psychotherapy. Some of the possible types of therapy that may be recommended include cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, anger-management training and group therapy. A treatment plan will also include lifestyle changes she is required to make.
