Tinnitus and the Relationship with Bipolar Disorder
Tinnitus is a name given to the condition where people hear a sound in their ears but the sound source is not related to the outside world. Tinnitus is generally known as a temporary discomfort that occurs as a result of high stress or noisy environments. However, in some cases, tinnitus can be a sign of a serious medical condition. One of these conditions is bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is primarily a disease related to mood states. This disease is characterized by sudden and uncontrolled emotional fluctuations. A person may feel manic (extremely happy) or depressive (extremely sad) at times. While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, environmental factors as well as genetic factors may play a role in the development of the disease.
In this article, we will investigate the relationship between tinnitus and bipolar disorder.
Connection between Tinnitus and Bipolar Disorder
Research has been conducted on the connection between bipolar disorder and tinnitus. For example, in a study conducted in 2018, it was found that people with bipolar disorder were more likely to be exposed to tinnitus according to surveys conducted on 1200 people. In addition, the severity of tinnitus in people with bipolar disorder was found to be higher than in other people.
Although these studies show that there may be a connection between tinnitus and bipolar disorder, the nature of this connection is still unclear. Tinnitus may be a symptom of bipolar disorder or tinnitus may occur due to stress caused by bipolar disorder.
Common Symptoms of Tinnitus and Bipolar Disorder
Stress, anxiety, and insomnia can be counted among the common symptoms of tinnitus and bipolar disorder. In individuals with bipolar disorder, high stress and anxiety levels may be observed during manic periods. This situation may cause tinnitus. Also, sleep problems are frequently observed in individuals with bipolar disorder. Insomnia may also be a cause of tinnitus.
However, a direct connection between tinnitus and bipolar disorder has not yet been proven. Tinnitus can be a sign of many different medical conditions. Therefore, a person experiencing tinnitus should consult a specialist for a medical evaluation.
Treatment of Tinnitus
The treatment of tinnitus can vary depending on the underlying causes. In some cases, tinnitus may go away on its own, while in other cases medical intervention may be required. For example, if the cause of tinnitus is an infection or ear damage, medical treatment may be necessary. However, if the cause of tinnitus is unknown, it may be incurable.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is usually treated with medication and therapy. Bipolar medications help to control emotional fluctuations. Therapy helps the person improve emotional control and learn stress management.
Conclusion
The relationship between tinnitus and bipolar disorder is still unclear. However, common symptoms between tinnitus and bipolar disorder include stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. A person experiencing tinnitus should determine the underlying cause by undergoing a medical evaluation. Bipolar disorder is treated with medication and therapy.
To learn more about tinnitus and bipolar disorder, you can consult a specialist.