4 causes of bipolar disorder that you should know

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder caused due to environmental, genetic and neurochemical factors.

Bipolar disorder is a serious clinical condition of brain where the individuals experience unusual and sudden mood changes. Although the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, experts believe that environmental, neurochemical and genetic factors play a key role in the onset and progression of the condition. Knowing the various factors responsible for sudden mood changes in case of bipolar disorder will be helpful in taking care of your family members or relatives suffering from the same.

Neurological factors

It is believed that bipolar disorder is a biological disorder caused due to neurochemical imbalances in the brain. The neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that control the brain's function are serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. Any malfunction or imbalance in the levels of one or more hormones in the body results in episodes of mania or depression.

Genetic Factors

Bipolar disorder is linked to genetics, which means that the condition runs in families. The risk of developing this disorder is high in a person whose family members suffer from mood disorders like depression or has a parent with bipolar disorder. Additionally, children with a parent or sibling suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to develop this condition as compared to those with no family history of the disorder.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors do play a major role in triggering episodes of bipolar disorder in people who are genetically at high risk. Children growing in an environment surrounded with stress, alcohol abuse, sexual indiscretions, financial issues or living with a parent suffering from bipolar disorder or mood swings are more likely to develop this condition. Stressful situations such as the death of a loved one or a close family member as well as relationship failures and lack of sleep often trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Medications

Antidepressants, illicit drugs and amphetamines may trigger manic episode in individuals who are at high risk of the disease. Excessive intake of caffeine and high doses of appetite suppressants may cause drastic changes in the brain chemicals causing a manic-like episode. However, the person may return to a normal mood after giving up the drug.

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