Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Bipolar Treatment Center
OCD and bipolar are mental issues that, unfortunately, become very common. Only in the USA, 1% of the population struggle with the former and 2.6% with the latter. The numbers might look insignificant, but that’s millions of patients only in one country. It means that these disorders should be considered a healthcare priority.
Mental issues often come in pairs with other disorders. This phenomenon has the name “comorbidity”. A case when a primary mental issue coexists with another condition or disorder is not rare at all. Studies claim that more than two-thirds of people with OCD also suffer from another psychiatric problem. It’s a bipolar disorder in a quarter of cases. In other words, the approximate rate of OCD and bipolar comorbidity is 17%. Almost every fifth person living with OCD also has bipolar disorder.
OCD, short for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a widespread mental issue. Its main characteristic is persistent and unwanted thoughts, which a patient urges to neutralize with some actions. Such chasing thoughts have the name of obsessions, whereas repetitive actions are compulsions. They’re often connected with striving for cleanliness or eliminating microbes, dirt, etc. People with OCD may suffer from obsessive thoughts about not doing something, like not closing a door before exiting a home.
Living with bipolar disorder entails periodic significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and behavior. No one external factor causes these sudden changes. Such patients experience episodes of depression or hyperactivity (mania), having a normal lifestyle between the episodes. Bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder are severe mental health issues. They require the proper diagnosis and treatment. If you seek it, don’t hesitate to contact the specialists from URP Behavioral Health.
Similar Symptoms of OCD and Bipolar Disorder
Except for the comorbidity cases of these disorders, they have some common manifestations. They may complicate the diagnosis, distinction, and treatment of OCD and bipolar. It’s helpful to know which exact symptoms they share:
- Mood changes. Both disorders are characterized by dramatic mood changes for entirely different reasons. They occur in OCD patients because of the psychological stress of managing obsessions. At the same time, people with bipolar have mood switches depending on the cyclical nature of the condition.
- Anxiety. It’s one of the symptoms of both conditions. Those living with obsessive-compulsive or bipolar disorders often experience constant anxiety. From time to time, it may grow into one of the anxiety disorder types.
- Intrusive thoughts. Obsessive, repeatable thoughts are also common for bipolar disorder. Sufferers of this condition have them during their mania or depression episodes.
- Social problems. OCD and bipolar disorders lead to social difficulties for patients. Among them may be a social phobia, withdrawal, consequences of rash decisions during the mania phase, and strained relationships.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder and OCD
Scientists still don’t have a complete picture of the causes of the conditions. But what we have is that some causes of bipolar and OCD may overlap. Genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a significant role in the development of both disorders. However, these factors act differently for each of the mental conditions. Genetic influence is more pronounced in bipolar disorder. Serotonin imbalance is typical for both mental issues. Traumatic events or chronic stress may trigger both of them. Still, different negative experiences may lead to OCD or bipolar. The same is true for psychological factors like exacerbated personal traits. For instance, perfectionism can grow into OCD. Whereas people with emotional dysregulation problems are at risk of bipolar disorder.
Difference Between Bipolar Disorder and OCD
Despite the significant overlap of their symptoms, these disorders differ in many ways. The main distinctions between them are the following:
- Origins of bipolar disorder and OCD. The difference between them lies in their very natures. Because OCD is an anxiety disorder and bipolar is an affective one.
- Symptoms. The disorders have different manifestations because of their distinctive origins. Livings with bipolar go through manic and depressive stages with episodes of everyday life. They can be in different proportions for every individual. For OCD, the main symptoms are obsessions, which cause anxiety and compulsions to overcome it.
- Duration and patterns. The cyclical nature of mood episodes characterizes bipolar disorder. They may last for days to weeks and then be changed by its alternative. Still, patients with bipolar disorder can have only one mania or depression phase during their life, experiencing its opposite mood at other times. OCD symptoms tend to be persistent and can last for months or years if untreated. They may have fluctuations but without a cycling pattern.
Diagnosis Bipolar Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Diagnostic tools are the same for both disorders. They include several ones, which in complex help specialists prescribe proper OCD and bipolar treatment. They identify diagnoses through conducting interviews with patients and their family members. Psychiatrists usually, particularly in URP Behavioral Health, follow the diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Thanks to it, they assess a subtype of bipolar disorder and distinguish both conditions from similar mental issues. Another anxiety disorder has to be differentiated from OCD, and other mood disorders to be excluded with the bipolar one.
Treatment for OCD and Bipolar
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This widespread psychotherapy form has proved its effectiveness for both disorders. 75% of those living with OCD have made significant progress, thanks to CBT. Patients with bipolar disorder also get benefits from it. They become more capable of coping with both manic and depressive phases.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Teaches mindfulness, nonjudgmental acceptance of feelings, and coping strategies. These skills are highly helpful for people with both mental issues.
Family-focused therapy
It involves family members or couples in treatment to improve communication and support for people with OCD and bipolar symptoms.
Psychotherapy in general
Many other kinds of psychotherapy may be helpful for patients. Their choice can depend on the needs and personalities of the affected people.
Medication
Specialists usually prescribe mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium) for people with bipolar disorder and SSRIs for OCD.
Special treatment is required in case of comorbidity, i.e., the appearance of obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar in one patient. Professionals need to deal with the symptoms of two conditions simultaneously. It further complicates the treatment process. It typically includes the proper pairing of mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Different types of talk therapies are used in parallel to drugs to achieve better results.
Obsessive compulsive and bipolar disorders are severe mental health issues that worsen people’s lives a lot. They might have overlapping symptoms, which complicate the patients’ situation. The causes of bipolar disorder and OCD are not fully known. But it doubtlessly includes genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Nevertheless, both conditions have their apparent symptoms, and experienced specialists will identify them. Our treatment center has professionals who offer suitable diagnosis and care. Make arrangements now to get the best help for you.
Let us guide you towards healing
We know that seeking treatment can be overwhelming, but our staff is here to make the process as smooth as possible. We’re available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you may have.
