Causes Of Bipolar Disorder

Now that you’re familiar with the signs of bipolar disorder, we’ll next take a look at the causes of bipolar disorder.

What causes people to have a regulation problem with their moods? Why do they experience deep periods of depression or extreme heights of mania?

Unfortunately, there’s not a clear answer about why some people develop this disorder.

There are a few things that may contribute to developing bipolar disorder, and these factors may work together.

The possible main causes are:

● Chemicals in the brain
● Genetics
● Trauma or environmental factors

Brain Chemistry and Bipolar Disorder

Some research has shown that people with bipolar disorders may have problems with the neurotransmitters or hormones in the brain. Chemicals such as norepinephrine (noradrenaline), serotonin, and dopamine that are responsible for brain and body functions may not be working appropriately.

For example, the chemical serotonin helps people have a proper wake/sleep cycle. If this chemical is not working correctly, a person may suffer from insomnia or hypersomnia.

Some studies have shown that people may experience mania or hypomania when their norepinephrine (associated with flight or fight response among other things) is unusually heightened.

There is still a lot of research that’s necessary to understand the brain functioning and chemical makeup of someone who has bipolar.

It’s also important to note that people are not diagnosed with bipolar based on chemical levels or brain scans, but rather from symptoms and history.

Genetics and Bipolar Disorder

There is no single genetic marker that indicates whether someone will develop bipolar disorder but research and data show that people who have family members with bipolar are more likely to develop it themselves.

An article in Medical News Today, called “How Genes Influence Bipolar Disorder” says,

“The exact inheritance pattern of bipolar disorder is unclear, but variations in many genes likely combine to increase a person’s chance of developing it.

Some environmental factors also play a role in triggering its symptoms.”

A 1999 article in the Journal of Medical Genetics entitled “Genetics of Bipolar Disorder” claimed that there’s a 5%-10% increase risk of being bipolar when you have a first-degree family member who is.

That risk factor increases to between 40%-70% if the family member is your twin.

Many experts believe a genetic predisposition isn’t enough to cause someone to be bipolar, but it may be a contributing factor.

Trauma or Other Environmental Factors and Bipolar

Another factor for developing bipolar may be trauma or other environmental influences. Things like abuse, extreme stress, or intense loss may spur bipolar symptoms.

There is evidence that bipolar disorder is genetic, but there is an environmental element that may work alongside the genetic factor.

For instance, an unstable parent involved in substance abuse, sexual indiscretions, or financial instability will create a stressful home life that could trigger bipolar symptoms in their child.

Most experts agree that these three factors work in conjunction with each other, rather than a standalone reason.

Having a family member with bipolar disorder doesn’t mean all the other family members share the disorder.

Just as living in an abusive home or suffering from a trauma doesn’t cause every person to have bipolar disorder.


Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: BiPolar Disorder guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over a decade and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

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