Does smoking tobacco cause bipolar disorder?

Question

Does smoking tobacco cause bipolar disorder?

I have noticed that an aquaintance when not soking but otherwise medicated for bipolar totally loses the propensity to have paranoid thoughts and that these thoughts promptly return with taking up smoking again.The two situations I am talking about are very pronounced.Am I alone in noticing this?

Answer 1

I guess these people will find out.. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00382915

But these people seem to think smoking does exactly the opposite: "Some experts speculate that nicotine use may be a form of self-medication because of its specific effects on the brain. This absolutely makes sense to me. Another study says "Smoking was less prevalent in patients who were less symptomatic". Yet another study states that juveniles Bipolar Disorder need to be carefully monitored for the early initiation of cigarette smoking and substance abuse. "

http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/41/2066/smoking-tobacco/

Answer 2

I worked mental health for 20 years and I never heard that before.

A lot of people with bipolar disorder like to smoke, but there's no other connection that I can think of.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain, which has to do with the chemicals seratonin, dopamine and the neurotransmitters. It is sometimes genetic, but the imbalance is chemical.

So no, smoking does not cause the disorder...

Answer 4

no it doesnt cause it or make it worse. im bipolar and i love smoking because it relaxes me and takes the edge off. (not saying people should do this, its bad for you) however there is a huge proportion of people with mental illness that smoke cigarettes. It releases dopamine and makes you feel good.

Answer 5

never heard of it

Answer 6

No, but it may make it worse.

Answer 7

no, but it might cause... i duno... DEATH!