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Causes
of Bipolar Disorder
While we don't yet know exactly what causes Bipolar Disorder,
we do know that it appears to have primarily biological
underpinnings. However, its onset is often linked to a
stressful life event.
And while the causes of Bipolar Disorder are still unknown,
there are a number of factors that are believed to play a
role, including genetics, brain chemicals, environmental
factors and sometimes medical illnesses.
Read about:
Genetics
Bipolar Disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors
accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the
condition.
If one parent has Bipolar Disorder, there is a 10 per cent
chance that his or her child will develop the illness. If both
parents have Bipolar Disorder the likelihood of their child
developing the illness rises to 40 per cent.
However, just because one family member has the illness, it is
not necessarily the case that other family members will also
develop the illness. Other factors also come into play.
Brain chemicals
A recent theory about the cause of Bipolar Disorder is that it
is related to abnormal serotonin chemistry in the brain.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain, and
one that strongly affects a person's mood. It is thought that
the abnormal serotonin chemistry causes mood swings because of
its feedback effect on other brain chemicals. It is unlikely,
however, that serotonin is the only neurotransmitter involved.
Environmental
While the onset of Bipolar Disorder may be linked to a
stressful life event, it is unlikely that stress itself is a
cause of Bipolar Disorder. Notwithstanding this, people who
suffer from Bipolar Disorder often find it beneficial to find
ways of managing and reducing stress in their lives (as do
people without the disorder!).
Again - while not a cause - seasonal factors appear to play a
role in the onset of Bipolar Disorder, with onset chance
increasing in spring. The rapid increase in hours of bright
sunshine is thought to trigger depression and mania by
affecting the pineal gland.
Medical illness
Medical illness is not a cause of Bipolar Disorder, but in
some instances can cause symptoms that could be confused with
mania or hypomania. Some medications and certain illicit
stimulant drugs can also cause manic and hypomanic symptoms.
Pregnancy
For women who are genetically or otherwise biologically
predisposed to developing Bipolar Disorder, the postnatal
period can coincide with a first episode of Bipolar Disorder.
What is the future for someone with Bipolar Disorder?
Like any other medical condition, such as heart disease or
diabetes, Bipolar Disorder is an illness that requires careful
management.
While there is no known cure for Bipolar Disorder, the good
news is that its severity and the frequency of episodes can be
reduced or prevented with medication and other supports, such
as psychological therapies.
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