Comorbidity refers to the diagnosis of two psychiatric conditions occurring at the same time, often present in those with bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. The occurrence of two mental disorders in one patient is common, report doctors at Brain Physics, a mental health resource site. As with most co-occurring illnesses, symptoms are typically heightened in those with bipolar disorder and OCD and usually require additional treatment.
Step 1
Find a psychiatrist who is well versed in the two conditions because treatment for bipolar disorder and OCD requires a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Stay in regular contact with your psychiatrist to maintain proper medication levels, especially when first diagnosed with the conditions.
Step 2
Report any changes in mood or feelings immediately to your psychiatrist. It is common for patients dealing with psychiatric comorbidities to go through a period of trial and error until the right combination of medications can be found to stabilize the conditions. In addition, medications may be changed as moods shift and life circumstances change.
Step 3
Expect to take a complement of drugs that may include clomipramine or seratonin reuptake inhibitors to threat the obsessive compulsive tendencies as well as mood stabilizers to treat the bipolar symptoms. The combination of drugs is usually warranted to prevent manic or severe depressive states, the National Institute of Health reported in a 2002 clinical study.
Step 4
Let your doctor know about any other drugs that you are taking, including the amounts of caffeine and alcohol, which can affect the usefulness of the medications. In addition, it is common for OCD and bipolar sufferers to turn to illegal substances in an effort to self-medicate. You must be weaned off of the illegal substances, however, before receiving treatment for the mental illnesses.
Step 5
Attend behavioral therapy that places you in direct contact with feared situations. Develop trust in a therapist for at least 15 sessions, advise researchers at the National Tourette Syndrome Association. The planned encounters have been proven highly effective in teaching patients how to avoid OCD rituals and develop new coping skills.
Tips and Warnings
- Join a support group where you can meet other people suffering from the same conditions in order to learn how others deal with their disease and to support each other's efforts at recovery. Encourage family members to find support groups as well to better understand the symptoms of your conditions.
- Go to the emergency room if you are feeling suicidal or experience hallucinations or any other severe symptoms that feel life threatening. It is not uncommon for patients with comorbid bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder to require hospitalization for short periods of time while medications are adjusted.
Things You'll Need
- Psychiatrist
- Drugs
- Therapy
- Support group
