Bipolar disorder from PTSD.

I know a young man who tragically witnessed his beloved mother being killed by being hit with a car. I know he's diagnosed PTSD. I know too there are periods where he hardly sleeps. He's a workaholic ( Mortgages dept.Bank) spends like crazy. I suspects he's BP. OTOH I'm not a MH professional. So my question is does he seem like he could be BP? Can someone become BP from PTSD? I realize most members here aren't MH professionals including me. I'd like to know what the possibilities could be. Thank you.

I’m not doctor of course but many people have a traumatic event happen that leads them get help and be diagnosed eventually with some kind of MI

Yes, what Christina posted. I don't think it's unusual for a traumatic event to uncover a mental illness.

I can see how going to a pdoc regarding another issue can uncover BD simply because you're there and are getting evaluated in general. However, I don't believe that BD is caused by PTSD or trauma. Maybe someone can try and find a professional article stating otherwise. That's just my opinion.

I agree that a trauma can uncover bipolar disorder (like a trigger), but I think one can only get bipolar disorder if genetically predisposed to it.

I'm no expert on PTSD, but could it be possible that his "bipolaresque" symptoms are PTSD symptoms? I mean, I could certainly see the symptoms you mention being present in some people with PTSD. I guess I would just want a doctor to be careful when it comes to any medication treatment. I think antidepressants are the primary medications used (if medications are used) for people with PTSD, aren't they? That could be problematic for people with bipolar disorder. And who would want a moodstabilizer or antipsychotic needlessly?

We've discussed this subject before on the Bipolar board. You're correct - trauma cannot cause BD, but it can cause symptoms of BD to emerge if BD already exists within the person's brain.

Just because he is a workaholic and spends allot of money does not mean he has BP. Actually, I do not think either one is specifically listed as symptoms of BP. I think like many MIs, there are overlapping symptoms. This may be the cast with PTSD. I do not know. But BP from PTSD? I do not know how this is possible. They are both distinct, separate MIs, each with different generally accepted causes, personal histories, and prognosis. For instance, I think BP is only a med treatable MI even though therapy can help. People with BP can experience remission which can later return. I do not think this is the case with PTSD. I do not know for sure. However, PTSD is frequently comorbid with BP. Howeveer, I am sure this connection is very debatable.

“This may perhaps explain why 11 to 39 percent of bipolar patients also meet criteria for PTSD. Whether PTSD is a direct cause of bipolar disorder or vice versa, however, isn’t completely understood. It’s possible that traumatic experiences in childhood, such as physical or sexual abuse, can lead to bipolar disorder; but it’s also possible that someone with bipolar disorder might be more likely to be exposed to traumatic experiences during a manic episode and thus develop PTSD later as a result of bipolar disorder.”

For that matter, comorbid illnesses do not mean one caused the other.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder? Aside From Genes, These Are The Things Most Likely To Increase Your Risk

I thank you for your feedback. It didn't occur to me that one MI could uncomver a 2nd one. Not saying your wrong. My statement reflects my thoughts only. I originally wondered if PTSD could cause BP.
Tucson I read in many psychiatric textbooks that overspending can be sign of BP. I know some people with BP where this is certainly true. BP & PTSD since there is no firm concluision I can't say. Though it is an interesting read that you wrote.

We are good. Yes, I understand that overspending does happen during manias. I have gone through ALLOT of money, over $100,000. I just do not think, technically speaking, they are listed as symptoms in the DSM-IV. I was just trying to make a point. Perhaps I did not do a good job at it.

Interesting article. Bottom line is, no one really has an answer at this point. "Whether PTSD is a direct cause of bipolar disorder or vice versa, however, isn’t completely understood"