What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but there may a genetic link to the disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder have a close relative with bipolar disorder or with depression. Bipolar disorder is also sometimes associated with an imbalance of chemicals in the brain or hormonal deficiencies.

In some cases, symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder can be set off by certain conditions, such as sleep deprivation, thyroid disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as antidepressants, methamphetamines and steroids. In these cases, a person is not diagnosed with bipolar disorder unless symptoms do not go away with treatment of the underlying cause.

What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?

Certain factors are thought to increase your chances of having bipolar disorder or are associated with symptoms of bipolar disorder. Not all people who are at risk will develop bipolar disorder. Risk factors include:

  • Certain structural brain abnormalities

  • Family history of bipolar disorder or depression

INTRODUCTION

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that is characterized by cycling mood changes from intense mania or euphoria to episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder, which seriously affects a person’s mood and interferes with a person’s ability to function effectively in everyday life. Bipolar disorder occurs in equal numbers in both sexes. ... Read more about bipolar disorder introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The severity and types of symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person but generally affect mood, energy and functioning. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of intense mania or euphoria that alternate with episodes of depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can seriously interfere with a person’s ability to function normally in relationships and activities of everyday life, such as work, school, social activities, and self-care.... Read more about bipolar disorder symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The overall treatment goal for people living with bipolar disorder is to minimize mood swings and other symptoms so that they can live functional and productive lives. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, and treatment generally needs to be lifelong to most effectively control symptoms. The most effective treatment plans employ a multifaceted approach:... Read more about bipolar disorder treatments

Medical Reviewer: Williams, Robert MD Last Annual Review Date: Mar 1, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder

This Article is Filed Under: Mental Health and Behavior, Bipolar Disorder


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Bipolar symptoms are hard to recognize because they're the same as the everyday ups and downs we all feel.