What Causes Bipolar

Over 10 million people are affected by bipolar. It manifests differently in each person regardless of race, ethnic group or socioeconomic class. Women tend to have rapid cycling bipolar more often than men and also suffer from more mixed episodes. A man's first state is usually hypomanic/manic while women normally experience a depressive state first.

Children who have one parent with the disorder have around a 10%-25% chance of developing the disorder themselves. Children with two parents that have the disorder have a 10%-50% chance. 

FACTORS

• Genetics - Studies clearly show bipolar runs in families. While it may skip generations, if you have bipolar in your family history, you are at risk. Research also shows that the chances of both identical twins having bipolar is small. So, if it was only hereditary factors that cause bipolar, both twins would suffer from it because they are identical.
• Biology - Some neurotransmitters that fire and receive the chemicals serotonin and dopamine do not function properly and only connect randomly. These neurons are responsible for firing and receiving seratonin and or dopamine, the two chemicals that are in control of your mood swings. A depressive state results from too few and a hypomanic/manic episode results from too many neuron interactions. Much research also now focuses on what abnormal genes play a factor in bipolar. Scientists believe that bipolar is more than likely caused by issues with multiple genes. And, research is currently being conducted to identify what medications work better for different individuals. This will lead to better management of the disease.
• Environment - Circumstances from childhood and as an adult also can trigger bipolar. Abuse, neglect, rigidity, trauma, anxiety disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, health problems and ADHD are all causes. Left untreated, environmental factors may cause suicide, relationship troubles, as well as legal and financial troubles, substance abuse as a way to self medicate, problems at school and work, absences at school and work, and isolation.

BOTTOM LINE

Bottom line is there is no singular cause for bipolar disorder. Instead, varying factors have a part in what is the whole cause of bipolar. As shown above, two of those factors are something we don't have a choice in. 

Although a stressful and traumatic event can trigger bipolar, stress in itself is not a cause. Still, with bipolar, it is ultimately important that you learn to manage stress (a future blog will focus on managing stress with bipolar). Managing stress can help us manage bipolar more effectively.

Bipolar is a complex disorder. Not only does it have varying causes, it also affects each sufferer differently. To exasperate it, no one medication works for all. However, understanding the possible causes and educating yourself will help you to understand and live with the disease.

To balanced and productive days my friends,

Laura