Ho-Jun Seo (1), Chi-Un Pae (1,2)
(1) The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; (2) Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Suicidal Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Dependence. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2010, 540 pages.

A high prevalence of comorbidity with alcohol dependence (AD) and/or substance use disorder (SUD) has been proposed in patients with bipolar disorders. While bipolar disorder and AD or SUDs are strongly associated, the exact relationship among these disorders is complex. A number of studies have demonstrated a negative impact of comorbid AD and SUD on clinical outcomes in patients with bipolar disorder, resulting in poorer response to treatment, more functional impairment, higher rate of suicide and more hazardous public health costs. Although a limited number of studies have addressed treatment of bipolar disorder comorbid with AD and/or SUD, there is a significant need for further clinical research, particularly double-blind trials, focused on treatment of co-occurring bipolar disorder and such disorders. An integrative and evidence-based etiological and treatment model will enhance the treatment outcome in bipolar patients comorbid with AD and/or SUD.