Bipolar causes

Bipolar disorder causes and triggers

Several factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes:

 Genetic Factors

Scientists have pretty much concluded that bipolar disorder runs in families. Studies that used identical twins indicated that if one identical twin had bipolar disorder, the other twin had a greater chance of developing the condition. It wasn’t a given, however. This indicates that genetics have a role to play, but not the only one since the genes of identical twins are, in fact, identical. Other siblings in the same family also showed a somewhat weaker tendency to develop bipolar disorder. The chance of an identical twin (of the bipolar twin) to also develop bipolar disorder is about 40% to 70% according to the research.

Neurotransmitters

An imbalance in naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters seems to play a significant role in bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.

Stress Triggers

For mental, emotional and environmental issues, stressful life events are thought to be the main element in the development of bipolar disorder. These can range from a death in the family to the loss of a job, from the birth of a child to a move. It can be pretty much anything, but it cannot be precisely defined, since one person's stress may be another person's piece of cake.

With that in mind, research has found that stressful life events can lead to the onset of symptoms in bipolar disorder. However, once the disorder is triggered and progresses, "it seems to develop a life of its own." Once the cycle begins, psychological and/or biological processes take over and keep the illness active.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep loss may cause a bipolar episode such as mania (elation) in some patients. Yet sleep disturbance is more accurately described as a precipitator of bipolar disorder symptoms in persons who are already predisposed to developing the disorder as opposed to being a root cause. Evidence indicates that if a sleep-deprived person who is bipolar enters a manic state, their need for sleep actually decreases even more.

Substance Abuse

It is generally believed that 30% to 60% of those with bipolar disorder (manic depression) also struggle with alcoholism or substance abuse perhaps in an attempt to self-medicate. 

Unhealthy habits

 Lack of exercise can trigger either mania or depression, as can eating foods high in sugar (or other unhealthy foods). An unpredictable life schedule is also a trigger for symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Change in employment

 Problems at work (or school) can lead to symptoms of manic depression; job loss, a search for new employment, and adjusting to a new work environment are particularly stressful. Problems with money can lead to an episode of depression.

Relationships

Divorce, separation, or the loss of a romantic partner can trigger bipolar disorder. Difficult personal relationships or the death or illness of a loved one can also lead to symptoms, particularly of depression.

Major life changes

 Any stressful life event such as moving to a new city, state/province, or country, can lead to an episode of manic depression. Even happy life events – such as getting married or winning the lottery – can upset equilibrium.

Seasonal Changes

 Episodes of mania are more common in the summer; episodes of depression are more likely to occur in the winter. The light fluctuations make a difference.

Menstruation

 Every woman is affected differently by hormonal cycles, which can trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder. Regulating hormones can be an effective way to manage episodes of mania or depression.

Thyroid changes

 The thyroid keeps the body stabilized and functioning smoothly. Changes in thyroid levels can cause fatigue and weight gain, and can also trigger manic depression.

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