Bipolar Disorder and Infidelity: understanding the complex connection
Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Infidelity is a challenging and often painful issue in any relationship.
When intertwined with bipolar disorder, the dynamics can become even more complex.
Let’s explore the intricate relationship between infidelity and bipolar disorder, reviewing academic research to provide insights to help those affected navigate this difficult terrain.
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
These mood swings can affect sleep, energy levels, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of normal mood between episodes of mania and depression.
The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Infidelity
Mania and Impulsivity
One of the defining features of bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes, is impulsivity. During mania, individuals often exhibit increased energy, reduced need for sleep, elevated mood, and sometimes risky behavior, including sexual promiscuity. Research indicates that hypersexuality and impulsive sexual behavior are common during manic phases, which can lead to infidelity.
Hypersexuality
Hypersexuality, or an increase in sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors, is a symptom experienced by some individuals during manic episodes.
According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, hypersexuality is reported by up to 57% of patients during manic phases (Baldwin et al., 2012). This heightened sexual drive can result in infidelity, as partners may seek out sexual encounters outside their primary relationship.
Poor Judgment and Risky Behavior
Manic episodes are often marked by poor judgment and an increase in risky behaviors.
The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights that folks experiencing mania may engage in behaviors without considering the potential consequences, including extramarital affairs (Goodwin & Jamison, 2007). This lack of foresight can significantly impact relationships, leading to mistrust and betrayal.
Infidelity During Depressive Episodes
While mania is more commonly associated with infidelity due to impulsivity and hypersexuality, depressive episodes can also contribute to infidelity in more indirect ways.
During depression, partners may feel disconnected, unloved, or inadequate, seeking validation and intimacy outside their primary relationship as a coping mechanism. However, this is less about impulsivity and more about emotional needs.
The Genetics of Bipolar Disorder and Infidelity
Research has shown that bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component. Family, twin, and adoption studies have consistently demonstrated that bipolar disorder is highly heritable. The heritability of bipolar disorder is estimated to be around 80%, meaning that genetics plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing the disorder (Smoller & Finn, 2003).
Genetic Predisposition to Impulsivity
The genetic underpinnings of impulsivity, a key feature of manic episodes, also play a role in the relationship between bipolar disorder and infidelity. Studies have identified several genes associated with impulsivity, including the COMT gene, which is involved in the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
Variants of the COMT gene have been linked to increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors (Eisenberg et al., 2007). folks with bipolar disorder may inherit genetic variations that predispose them to impulsive behaviors, including sexual impulsivity.
Dopamine and Risk-Taking Behavior
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the brain's reward system. Genetic variations affecting dopamine pathways can influence risk-taking behavior and impulsivity.
Research has shown that folks with bipolar disorder may have altered dopamine function, contributing to the impulsive and risk-taking behaviors seen during manic episodes (van Enkhuizen et al., 2014). These genetic factors may increase the likelihood of infidelity in partners with bipolar disorder.
Navigating relationships with bipolar disorder
Open Communication
For couples dealing with bipolar disorder, open communication is crucial. Partners need to discuss their feelings, concerns, and boundaries openly. Understanding that certain behaviors may be linked to the disorder can help partners empathize and support each other better.
Treatment and Management
Effective treatment and management of bipolar disorder can significantly reduce the likelihood of infidelity.
Treatment typically involves medication, such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, as well as psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-focused therapy (FFT) have shown effectiveness in managing symptoms and improving relationship dynamics (Miklowitz, 2008).
Establishing Boundaries
Couples should establish clear boundaries and mutual agreements about behavior during manic and depressive episodes. This includes discussing the potential for hypersexuality and risky behaviors during mania and agreeing on strategies to handle these challenges.
Final thoughts
Infidelity can be a distressing issue in relationships, and when coupled with bipolar disorder, it becomes even more complex.
Understanding the connection between bipolar disorder and infidelity requires empathy, open communication, and effective case management strategies.
By addressing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and working together as a team, couples can navigate these challenges and maintain a healthy, supportive relationship. Managing bipolar is a team effort.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Baldwin, D. S., & et al. (2012). Hypersexuality in patients with bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 136(3), 259-264.
Eisenberg, D. T. A., Campbell, B., Gray, P. B., & Sorenson, M. D. (2007). Dopamine receptor genetic polymorphisms and body composition in a Native American population. Obesity Research, 13(6), 1026-1032.
Goodwin, F. K., & Jamison, K. R. (2007). Manic-Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression. Oxford University Press.
Miklowitz, D. J. (2008). Adjunctive psychotherapy for bipolar disorder: state of the evidence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(11), 1408-1419.
Smoller, J. W., & Finn, C. T. (2003). Family, twin, and adoption studies of bipolar disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 123C(1), 48-58.
van Enkhuizen, J., Janowsky, D. S., & Minassian, A. (2014). Dopaminergic dysfunction and risk-taking behavior in bipolar disorder. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 26(1), 114-120.
