The Causes of Bipolar: Does Anyone Really Know How It Develops?

Just as bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose, it is equally as hard to determine what causes bipolar. There may not be one specific cause of this disorder, but rather the combination of many different factors that lead to the development of it. Years of research have gone into questions revolving around the origin of this disorder, and a few different theories have popped up throughout the years.

Genetics

Part of the cause of bipolar disorder is thought to be genetic, meaning that it runs in the family. Approximately half of the people diagnosed with bipolar have at least one member of their family that has been diagnosed with a mood disorder – such as depression or schizophrenia. Those who have at least one parent with bipolar disorder have a 15-25% chance of developing the illness themselves. People with a fraternal twin diagnosed with this disorder have a 25% chance of developing it, as do those with two bipolar parents. The risk is even greater (around 40-70%) for people who have an identical twin with the disorder. According to research, bipolar symptoms in men and bipolar disorder symptoms in women vary very little.

Neurotransmitters

Since bipolar disorder is an illness of the brain, the dysfunction of certain chemical messengers (known as neurotransmitters) can cause mood swings. Three of the neurotransmitters most involved in mood disorders are norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.

Norepinephrine aids the body in the “flight or fright” response in times of stress, and some studies have found elevated levels of this chemical during episodes of mania in bipolar patients. Low levels of norepinephrine have been linked to depression symptoms.

Dopamine is commonly linked to the pleasure system in the brain. Disruption of the levels of this chemical has been connected to psychosis and schizophrenia, and can cause depression and lack of motivation if the levels get too low. Since dopamine is also a factor in the regulation of mood, small fluctuations of this chemical can lead to mood swings even if they don’t end up as full-blown manic or depressive episodes.

Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers in the brain that affects anxiety as well as the regulation of aggression, appetite, thoughts, mood, sex drive, and the sleeping cycle. Because of this, elevated levels of serotonin are thought to produce episodes of mania, while low levels of serotonin are thought to induce depression.
It is not known whether or not these are the only three neurotransmitters involved in the development of bipolar, but they are the most widely studied in relation to the disease and seem to be the most common factors.

Environment and Lifestyle

In many cases, bipolar disorder lies dormant in a predisposed person until something triggers a manic or depressive episode. Those that experience traumatic events or a lot of stress and anxiety in their daily lives may develop the disorder before those that have a healthy home and work life. The use of alcohol, drugs, or change in hormonal levels can all lead to bipolar symptoms.

In relation to genetics, those who are living with family members affected by bipolar disorder tend to be exposed to environmental stressors – such as a parent with mood swings or alcohol / substance abuse – more than those who have parents or siblings without mental disorders.

Medication

Certain medications can trigger manic episodes in those that are susceptible to bipolar. Antidepressants can get rid of depressive symptoms yet trigger a manic phase, which is why those who believe they have bipolar should be put on a mood stabilizer along with their antidepressant. Certain appetite depressants may cause an increase in energy and restlessness, causing a brief manic state, though once the medication ceases to be taken the person returns to a normal state.

Excessive amounts of caffeine can also trigger a manic response, although it should be noted that moderate amounts of caffeine shouldn’t have a negative effect on bipolar patients.
Illegal drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana and amphetamines cause extreme highs that can trigger manic episodes.
As soon as the illness is triggered by one factor or another, it begins to progress on its own without the need for external (or internal) stimulation. Continuing use of these drugs after experiencing bipolar symptoms can make the symptoms worse. 

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The Big Picture for Causes of Bipolar

As you can see, there is not one specific cause of this disorder. Is bipolar hereditary? Is it caused by environmental factors, or the use of certain medications? Most researchers agree on the fact that this disorder is caused at least in part by genetics. But what determines whether a person genetically predisposed will begin experiencing symptoms in childhood or during their adult life? There are still a lot of unanswered questions in relation to what causes bipolar, but scientists and doctors are working together to better understand this complicated mental illness.

Click here for the online test for do I have bipolar quiz from the Black Dog Institute

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