Individuals with bipolar disorder have been shown through epidemiological data to have a relatively high degree of comorbidity when it comes to problems with alcohol and substance abuse, which may also lead to isolation from those with whom they are in a relationship. The statistical rate of substance abuse in comparison to the general population among individuals with bipolar disorder skyrockets. “Bipolar disorder, in particular, demonstrates comorbidity with alcohol dependence over and above what
would be expected based on chance and family histories alone” (Bipolar, 2002). Some researchers explain this statistical phenomenon by claiming that individuals with bipolar disorder are more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating and trying to take care of the disorder in this manner. Conclusion Bipolar disorder affects family and social relationships in many ways, in terms of the individual distancing and isolating themselves.
In terms of family relationships, people whose family have high rates of bipolar disorder are definitely shown statistically to be at a higher risk for having the disorder themselves. Whether or not this is a sign of the times, in that data regarding genetics has taken the lead over data regarding environment in recent times as far as credibility and recognition goes, or whether it actually reflects a real genetic predisposition for bipolar disorder, is a matter of debate.
Essentially, it comes down to whether an individual puts more stock in nature, nurture, or a balance between nature and nurture as a way of explaining the etiology of disorders such as bipolar disorder. Whatever the case, studies have shown that individuals with relatives who have the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. For those that put all of their stock in nurture, however, there are studies that suggest that adopted children are still at risk for bipolar disorder if their biological family has signs of the disorder, even though they are not growing up in this environment.
Scientists are still looking for the specific genes that can be seen to cause the disorder, and have not had much success as of yet at isolating and naming these genes in confirmed empirical research studies.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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