The substance use is common among people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In addition, alcoholism and bipolar disorder coexist with a high frequency. This association is higher in men than in women, and this consumption is the factor that most strongly influences the hospitalization.

To analyze the clinical, epidemiological, diagnostic approach and evolution of bipolar disorder and alcoholism.

Review of the subject on recent articles of alcoholism in bipolar disorder.

The stages of mania associated with alcohol consumption up to 40% of cases and are more common at this stage that in depressive. This association is greater than that which occurs between alcoholism and schizophrenia or depression. Patients with bipolar disorder who have mixed and irritative states and those with rapid cycling have a prevalence of alcohol consumption and substance use higher than those who do not use substances. It has also been observed that the consumption of alcohol and substance use can change the symptoms of mania and turn them into a mixed state symptoms. It also states that rapid cycles can be precipitated by increased alcohol consumption during rotation from mania to depression.

The association of bipolar disorder with addictive behaviors is a factor that worsens the prognosis and comorbid alcohol itself is associated with a poor prognosis. Close monitoring of bipolar patients and especially in those who consume alcohol is very important.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.