Bipolar Disorder Causes and Risk Factors
Although researchers do not fully understand bipolar disorder causes and risks, they believe that the causes of bipolar disorder involve a combination of factors, including:
- Biological differences: Brains of people with bipolar disorder appear to be different than healthy brains, although whether these changes are the cause or result of bipolar disorder is not clear.
- Environment: Abuse, stress, significant loss or other traumatic experiences may trigger bipolar disorder, especially in people who have bipolar genetic risk or other bipolar risk factors.
- Genetics: Bipolar genetic risk for children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder is four to six times that of children without genetic bipolar risk factors. Children who have a parent with bipolar disorder have a 20 percent chance of developing the condition, while children without a bipolar parent have only a four percent chance of becoming bipolar.
- Hormones: Unbalanced hormones may play a role in triggering or causing bipolar disorder.
- Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in these naturally occurring brain signaling chemicals appear to play an important role in bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.
Bipolar Risk Factors
Although what causes bipolar disorder is not clear, researchers have been able to determine some known risk factors. Bipolar risk factors include:
- Age: Most bipolar disorders develop between the ages of 15 and 30.
- Drug or alcohol abuse: Substance abuse can trigger manic and depressive symptoms.
- Family history: Having a blood relative with bipolar disorder increases risk.
- Major life changes: Death of a loved one or other trauma can act as a trigger.
- High stress: Stressful events and times can trigger bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Risks
Bipolar disorder increases the risks of other conditions, including:
- Addiction or substance abuse: Many people with bipolar disorder also have alcohol or other drug problems. These drugs may seem to lessen symptoms but can actually trigger, prolong, or worsen depression or mania.
- Anxiety disorders: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia, or generalized anxiety disorder often co-exist with bipolar disorder.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD and bipolar disorder have overlapping symptoms, which sometimes makes diagnosing children difficult. Some people may have both conditions.
People who have bipolar disorder are also more likely to develop certain other health problems, which may occur as a result of bipolar disorder treatment. Common co-existing physical illnesses include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Migraines
- Obesity
- Thyroid problems.
Researchers continue to work to better understand bipolar disorder causes and risks and to develop better and more effective ways of managing and treating bipolar disorder.
Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff. (January 5, 2010). Bipolar disorder: Causes. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=causes.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (January 5, 2010). Bipolar disorder: Risk factors. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=risk-factors.
National Institute of Mental Health Staff. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml.