Bipolar Disorder

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is uncertain. Researchers have failed to uncover the genes responsible for contributing to the disorder or determine how the brain changes. Further researchers know what variables raise the disorder's risk. A family member with the condition considerably increases your risk. So, it is a genetic disorder. Not all genetically prone persons acquire bipolar illness. However, not everyone does; psychosocial and environmental variables may provoke manic or depressed episodes.

Bipolar disorder risk factors include:

• Genes/family
• Stress
• Drug abuse
• Gender
• Environmental Factors
• Neurochemical Factors

Women are three times as likely as males to undergo rapid cycling in bipolar disorder. Moreover, they have more depression and mixed episodes than males.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar and associated conditions vary. Mania/hypomania and depression are examples. Symptoms might induce mood and behavior changes, causing anxiety and trouble in life.

• Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode accompanied or succeeded by hypomanic or significant depression bouts. Mania may cause reality distortions (psychosis).
• Bipolar II disorder: You've experienced big depressive and hypomanic episodes but never mania.
• Cyclothymic disorder: You've experienced frequent times of hypomania symptoms and phases of depressed symptoms for at least two years — or one year in adolescents and teens
• Other types: These include bipolar and similar diseases caused by medications, alcohol, Cushing's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or stroke.

Bipolar II condition is not a mild variant of bipolar I. Bipolar I manic episodes may be intense and hazardous, while bipolar II depression can cause major damage. Further Bipolar disorder may develop at any age but is usually diagnosed in teens or 20s. Symptoms vary by individual and over time.

Bipolar Treatments

A psychiatrist knowledgeable in handling bipolar and similar disorders should lead treatment. Psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses may be on your therapy team.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong disorder, and symptom management is the goal of treatment. Also, the treatment may comprise one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

• Day Treatment Programs: Your doctor may suggest a day treatment program. These programs allow you to live at home and often work your job, while providing assistance and counseling to help you manage symptoms of bipolar disorder.
• Inpatient Treatment: Many people with bipolar disorder often abuse alcohol and/or drugs. Therefore, inpatient treatment is often a good option for people with bipolar disorder and/or dual diagnosis.
• Hospitalization: If bipolar disorder has made you violent, suicidal, or disconnected from reality, your doctor may suggest hospitalization (psychotic). Psychiatric hospitalization may keep you safe and regulate your temperament, whether manic or depressed.
• Medications: Your physician may prescribe mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety medications to help with bipolar disorder. Do not begin taking any medication without your personal physicians’ prescription.
• Continued treatment: Even when feeling better, bipolar disorder often times needs lifetime medication and other treatment. Skipping maintenance treatment increases the chance of relapse or modest mood changes becoming full-blown mania or depression.