There’s no single explanation for what causes bipolar disorder; it develops from a mix of influences. These include family history, brain function, and life experiences – all of which are believed to contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
As of 2023, approximately 8 million American adults were estimated to be living with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders and mental health challenges are common and treatable.
At Oceans Healthcare, we understand the complex challenges of navigating life with bipolar disorder. Our approach goes beyond symptom management – we help clients understand the condition in its entirety to identify its underlying causes and triggers. With the right support, stability and recovery are possible.
Knowing the Basics: What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a combination of manic and depressive symptoms. Every person’s experience is different; however, most bipolar symptoms align with one of the following diagnoses:
- Bipolar I: The condition features manic episodes that last for at least one week. Common symptoms of mania include intense amounts of energy, talking very fast, and not feeling the need for sleep. Many people who have bipolar I also experience depressive symptoms; however, it isn’t a required symptom for diagnosis.
- Bipolar II: This is marked by a depressive episode that lasts for at least two weeks. A depressive episode features symptoms including feelings of emptiness and difficulty completing daily tasks. Bipolar II also presents with periods of hypomania that last for four days. Hypomania isn’t as severe and doesn’t last as long as a manic episode.
- Cyclothymic disorder: This condition presents with milder symptoms of depression and hypomania. Cyclothymic symptoms don’t constitute full depressive or manic episodes, but they are more frequent. Most people with cyclothymic disorder only go about two months at most between episodes.
Some people with bipolar disorder have symptoms that do not fit neatly into one of the above categories. In these cases, a diagnosis of unspecified bipolar disorder may be applied.
Understanding the Potential Causes of Bipolar Disorder
The most up-to-date research on bipolar disorder indicates that many factors contribute to its development. Genetics, family history, brain function, and environmental aspects all factor into whether or not someone will develop the condition.
How Do Genetics and Family History Relate to the Development of Bipolar Disorder?
Genetics has a significant influence over physical and mental health. Recent research found a link between a variety of genes that impact bipolar disorder. Genetics plays a role in the development of bipolar disorder, but its exact influence is still being studied. There is no one “bipolar gene,” but a combination of genetic factors can contribute to the disorder.
Genetic components are complex, and their presentation in each individual is unique. Having an immediate family member with bipolar disorder, such as a sibling or a parent, increases an individual’s risk of developing the condition.
Can Brain Chemistry and Structure Cause Bipolar Disorder?
Chemistry and brain structure impact the development of bipolar disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder have irregular levels of certain neurotransmitters, which the brain uses to communicate information between synapses.
The 3 neurotransmitters most closely associated with bipolar disorder are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
- Norepinephrine is responsible for activating the fight-or-flight response and regulating mood. The chemical is present in lower levels in people with bipolar disorder than it is in the general population, but norepinephrine levels are heightened during manic episodes. This indicates that the fight-flight-freeze reaction is more active in a manic state.
- Serotonin regulates important bodily functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep patterns, which all vary during bipolar episodes. Research shows a relationship between serotonin levels and mood disorders, although the specific relationship with bipolar disorder is still being studied.
- Dopamine levels in the brain directly correlate with mood. During manic episodes, dopamine levels are elevated. During depressive episodes, dopamine levels are lower. This suggests that the brain’s ability to regulate dopamine production is relevant to the development of bipolar disorder.
Brain structure is also relevant to the development of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder have structural differences in their prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control and emotion regulation. Additionally, people with bipolar disorder typically have a lower concentration of gray matter in the brain, which is essential to memory and emotional functioning.
Do Environmental Factors Cause Bipolar Disorder?
Experts agree that the environment is crucial to the development of bipolar disorder. This is especially true for people with a family history of the condition. Many people with bipolar disorder experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including physical, psychological, sexual, or emotional abuse.
These experiences are not limited to intentional acts of abuse. Extreme stress during adolescence or early 20s is common for people with bipolar disorder. Chronic stress brought on by issues including divorce, sleep deprivation, poverty, hunger, or loss increases the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. While stress in and of itself is not thought to cause bipolar disorder, periods of personal turmoil are common precursors to the onset of bipolar disorder.
Developing appropriate coping mechanisms for reducing stress may lessen the impact of environmental factors on the development of bipolar disorder.
Recognizing What Triggers Bipolar Episodes
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, but the symptoms are manageable. Recognizing bipolar triggers and developing coping skills is fundamental to symptom management.
Triggers are typically unique to the individual. However, there are a few common bipolar triggers, including:
- Changes in sleep patterns: Getting regular, quality sleep is fundamental to regulating physical and emotional health. For people with bipolar disorder, changes in sleep habits signal an upcoming episode. During a manic episode, individuals won’t feel the need to sleep. Upon entering a depressive episode, they are likely to oversleep or feel constantly tired. Learning to manage sleep patterns and recognize changes can help manage symptoms.
- Seasonal changes: The symptoms of bipolar disorder are influenced by periods of seasonal transition as well. Lack of sunlight in the winter and seasonal allergies in the spring impact the immune system and overall body health.
- Changes in routine: A daily routine helps individuals know what to expect. When daily routines are changed, it can cause feelings of being unsafe.
- Medication mismanagement: Missing or altering a dose can trigger a (hypo)manic or depressive episode. Keeping up to date on medication and ensuring its efficacy are important parts of reducing bipolar episodes.
Get Help With Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex medical condition. Research on the causes of the condition is still underway. The proper bipolar disorder treatment will empower clients to find effective ways to manage episodes. Oceans Healthcare works with clients to create the tools needed to live a life that isn’t controlled by bipolar symptoms.
For more information or to get started with treatments, call 888-293-6899. We accept referrals 24/7, and our Oceans Healthcare team is ready and available to help.
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