Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is diagnosed in approximately 2.6% of the U.S. adult population. It has nearly 6 million Americans struggling with abnormal mood swings and dramatic shifts in energy levels along with compromised cognitive function. There are two primary types of bipolar disorder. Those diagnosed with bipolar I disorder(BD-I) cycle between depression and severe highs known as mania. People with bipolar II disorder(BD-II) experience depression and less severe highs referred to as hypomania. Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving frequent mood swings with hypomania and depressive symptoms, although the emotional ups and downs are generally less severe when compared to BD-I and BD-II.
With a significant proportion of Americans living with bipolar disorder it should come as no surprise to find that a number of celebrities have come forward with their own diagnoses. Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey, Robert Downey Jr, and Russell Brand are among those who have garnered the most attention, while figures from the past like Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway are also named. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin has been very vocal about his struggles with bipolar and co-occurring disorders. In summary, a person can thrive and achieve great success despite the symptoms of BD-I and BD-II. And while the lifestyle you desire can be yours, there are activities to avoid no matter how appealing they may seem – casino gaming and sports betting.
Bipolar disorder and gambling are a dangerous combination that can derail efforts to effectively manage life with BD-I and BD-II (and even cyclothymia). Please keep reading.
Why Individuals with Bipolar Disorder Should Avoid Gambling at All Costs
Proven Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Gambling Disorder
Research has found that moderate to severe gambling problems are four times higher in people with bipolar disorder when compared to the general population. Further, one systematic review discovered that problem gambling is the most common behavioral addiction to co-occur with bipolar disorder.
The prevalence is even more concerning in certain segments of the American population. For instance, a study conducted by Kindbridge via the Colorado Military Veterans Project regarding comorbidities associated with gambling behaviors found that manic episodes persisted in 20% of the studied veteran group. Meanwhile, studies have indicated that athletes who participate in high-risk sports have significantly higher scores of bipolar disorder. This adds another layer to the bipolar disorder and gambling equation considering that these athletes are more vulnerable to developing gambling disorder than the average person.
Can Elevate Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
In addition to dramatic mood swings, symptoms of bipolar disorder that correspond to bouts of depression and manic episodes include the following:
- Sleeplessness (manic)
- Distractibility (manic)
- Increased risk taking behavior (manic)
- Impulsivity (manic)
- Aggressive thoughts and behaviors (manic)
- Fatigue (depressive)
- Lack of cognitive focus (depressive)
- Sleeping too much or too little (depressive)
- Increased or decreased appetite (depressive)
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt (depressive)
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (depressive)
This extensive list stresses the dangerous connection between bipolar disorder and gambling because all of the above are also symptoms of gambling disorder in varying degrees. Dealing with the gauntlet of symptoms of BD-I and BD-II on their own is enough. But having them elevated by what comes with problem gambling? Moreover, while it goes without saying, we must focus attention to the depressive thoughts of death or suicide because the gambling suicide statistics in America are already alarming.
They Cooccur with Other Mental Health Concerns
Bipolar Disorder and problem gambling cooccur with other mental and behavioral health disorders. These include the following:
- Anxiety disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia
- Substance abuse disorder
While the issues above are not caused by Bipolar Disorder or problematic gambling behavior, the fact that they often occur along with BD-I, BD-II, and gambling disorder presents a significant challenge when devising a treatment strategy.
Bipolar Medications Linked to Gambling Addiction
Are you taking any prescription medications to help you manage symptoms of bipolar disorder? If so, you could face an additional vulnerability to problem gambling. Atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder yet are linked to an increased risk of disordered gambling behaviors. View more on Medications that Make you Gamble.
Kindbridge is America’s leading online support platform for problem gambling and cooccurring disorders such as bipolar disorder. Our specialized therapists can provide you with a customized treatment plan that other treatment services are not equipped to offer. If you have bipolar disorder and are concerned about your relationship with gambling, reach out via the contacts provided below.
Let’s Talk About Your Bipolar Disorder and Relationship with Gambling
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
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Email [email protected]
