The Prevalence and Significance of Substance use Disorders in Bipolar Type I and II Disorder

This paper provides a systematic review of the literature examining the epidemiology, outcome, & treatment of patients with bipolar disorder & co-occurring substance use disorders. Research shows that co-occurring substance use disorders are correlated with negative effects on illness outcome including more frequent & prolonged affective episodes, decreased compliance with treatment, a lower quality of life, & increased suicidal behaviour. (48 refs.)