Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the olumnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

I'm bipolar and my sister thinks that she might be bipolar too. Does it seem that it is common for bipolar disorder to run in families? I'm also curious as to whether or not losing a loved one can trigger symptoms to the disease. My last question is: what is the connection between bipolar and drug use, including cigarette smoking? Thank you for having this available.

Answer

The answers to your questions are yes, yes, and the connection exists. Individuals with bipolar disorder are at greater risk for developing addictive behaviors including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and gambling. So hopefully you are under the care of a psychiatrist which is what I urge your sister to consider also.

03/06/99