There are significant similarities between bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and there are differences, too. That is one reason why it is essential to get a diagnosis from a mental health professional like those at Westwind Recovery® to ensure you get the proper treatment.
Learn more about the similarities between PTSD and bipolar disorder and reach out for treatment if necessary today.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is an anxiety order that develops from a single traumatic event. Complex PTSD is a similar condition, but it comes from multiple traumatic events. The kinds of activities that trigger this mental health condition vary from person to person. Veterans can come back from war with PTSD, for example.
Someone with PTSD will experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive memories of the trauma that make it hard to function.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Like PTSD, there are different variations of bipolar disorder. In general, though, this condition involves extreme mood swings that range from manic highs to depressive lows. Some people have these mood shifts multiple times a year, while others occasionally experience them throughout their lives.
Similarities Between PTSD and Bipolar Disorders
Although these two conditions are distinct, they have many of the same symptoms, including:
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Feelings of detachment
- Hypervigilance
- Paranoia
- Trouble concentrating
- Substance abuse
Since these two conditions are similar, it’s not uncommon to have bipolar disorder misdiagnosed as PTSD or missed entirely in someone who has a history of trauma.
How Are They Different?
The most significant difference between these two mental health conditions is the origin. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unclear, but it tends to run in families, so genetics is a factor. Bipolar disorder can also occur due to physical changes in the brain from drug use or periods of high stress.
Post-traumatic stress disorder isn’t necessarily a genetic condition, although those with inherited mental health risks may be more likely to have it. It generally focuses on a trigger that involves high stress, trauma, or fear. Having a condition like bipolar disorder increases your risk of developing PTSD.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
Many people with a substance use disorder have an underlying mental health condition like PTSD or bipolar disorder. When considering treatment programs like Westwind Recovery®, it’s essential to look at options that offer dual diagnosis services.
Substance abuse can be a way for those with PTSD or bipolar disorder to self-medicate. Treating just the addiction and not the underlying mental health condition will increase the risk of relapse.
Westwind Recovery® is an addiction treatment center and sober living program in Los Angeles that does offer help for co-occurring conditions like PTSD treatment and services for bipolar disorder.
This addiction treatment facility provides:
- Six residential beds
- Six detox beds
- 80 outpatient treatment slots
Westwind specializes in offering mental health treatment and adventure therapy with monthly outings for camping, hiking, and more.
Their sober living program offers residences with semi and private rooms and laundry facilities. Each of the separate homes has a specialty such as treatment for co-occurring disorders. Along with client-centered addiction treatment, you’ll find family therapy, art therapy, life skills programs, music therapy, and virtual reality meditation at Westwind Recovery®. They also offer medication-assisted treatment for those with opioid addiction.
Contact Westwind Recovery® for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Westwind Recovery® staff includes seasoned mental health and addiction professionals that believe a human connection and a fun environment are essential components for recovery. They work to help everyone that comes through the door to find a sense of wellness and purpose that starts with a proper diagnosis.
You don’t have to live with addiction or a mental health condition like PTSD or bipolar disorder. Contact Westwind Recovery® today at 855.340.8832 to talk to one of our mental health specialists today.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
