How Bipolar Disorder is Affecting Veterans with PTSD

Bipolar disorder, previously known as “manic depressive disorder”, affects approximately one out of every hundred people, making it a “relatively common” mental illness according to the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. However, the public does not usually associate veterans with bipolar disorder- usually veterans are known for developing other mental illnesses such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, as well as traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. But even though bipolar disorder is still vastly misunderstood by both the public and the medical community, the scarce findings and research have concurred that high-stress environments, like those of the battlefield, can help trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are described as an individual experiencing either episodes of extreme mania or extreme depressive states. “Mania”, as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, entails “feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and a heightened sense of optimism”. During some manic episodes, people may even feel invincible as their emotional highs and self-confidence match that of their high levels of energy and motivation.

In contrast, the depressive states are just that- serious bouts of depression that includes “sad or blue moods” that constitute negative outlooks, “hopeless, guilty, or even [suicidal]”. During this phase, individuals with the disorder should be surveyed closely and continuously in case they decide to act on their depressive moods.

Interestingly, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs notes that the bipolar disorder is usually accompanied by other psychological ailments or illnesses, including anxiety disorders like PTSD as well as substance abuse- two behaviorisms found in veterans who have been recently discharged from service.

Unfortunately, not enough research has been done on bipolar disorder to know its exact causes, but there are some strong theories as to who is susceptible to developing it and how. Researchers have found that “it is more likely that the disorder is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers,” rather than a single influence either brought about internally or in a person’s environment. Other theories include that certain brain chemistry can help create the moods needed for bipolar disorder, such as the lack of communication between brain cells and malfunctioning neurotransmitters “[like] norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine”.

On top of biological risk factors, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs also believe that certain stressful environments that allow for intense emotions trigger bipolar episodes. Perhaps this fact explains why combat veterans can easily express the symptoms of bipolar disorder due to war’s intensely dangerous and volatile atmosphere. Warzones can easily cause adrenaline surges, deep depression, and sometimes (delusional) periods of invincibility. However, even when they return from the battlefield, bipolar disorder is incredibly difficult to professionally diagnose, as “no laboratory tests, no brain scans, and no paper-and-pencil tests [can tell] if [a person] ha[s] bipolar disorder”. Instead, “the diagnosis is made by an experienced clinical provider from taking a careful history and interview observations”, and even then, “[this diagnosis] cannot be just a matter of opinion”.

Living with bipolar disorder can be an incredibly difficult adjustment, and the symptoms can at times become quite burdensome. The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs encourages “making the correct clinical diagnosis is important, and good treatment leads to better outcomes”. Treatment options include medication and therapy, both for civilians and combat veterans alike. Veterans might also want to consider treating any underlying symptoms of anxiety or PTSD developed either during or shortly after combat, thus making their battle with bipolar disorder more manageable. But the VA might not be the best option for seeking PTSD and anxiety treatment, since studies by CNN released in 2012 found that the VA had drastically increased the number of narcotics being prescribed to ailing veterans (259% more narcotics were prescribed in 2012 than in 2002.) Likewise, individualized therapy sessions fell by the wayside, but in order to effectively treat both PTSD and bipolar disorder, therapy is an essential part to developing life-long coping skills with each disorder.

More recently, and for various reasons, more veterans are choosing to seek help outside of the VA. Luckily, many other organizations exist that are dedicated to healing combat veterans and rehabilitating them back into society.

One of those organizations is Operation: I.V, a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2012 that helps combat veterans heal from both PTSD as well as traumatic brain injuries. Its founder, Roxann Abrams, is a Gold Star Mother who lost her son SFC Randy Abrams in 2009. Randy took his own life after experiencing a PTSD flashback from his service in Iraq. Randy had undiagnosed PTSD- a common occurrence among combat veterans either due to mistakes made by the medical field or simply the individual’s failure to report such grave symptoms.

As a result of her son’s death, Abrams founded Operation: I.V. so that combat veterans who served in either Iraq or Afghanistan have a place to receive treatment through a specialized “VIP”, or “Veteran Intervention Plan” program. “VIP” offers ten different rehabilitation programs, including hyperbolic oxygen therapy, service dogs, and anxiety reduction therapy. Additionally, veterans may also partake in programs such as job retraining, business mentoring, and educational assistance. Again, while there is no cure for PTSD, the programs provided by Operation: I.V. can drastically improve a veteran’s mental health and overall outlook on life!