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 thefactor that most strongly influences the hospitalization.

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

Review of thesubject on recent articles of alcoholism in bipolar disorder.

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

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