Experts do not precisely know what causes bipolar disorder, but if a person has a sibling or parent with this condition, they are more likely to have it.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can cause severe mood changes, including extreme manic highs and depressive lows.
Although experiences vary from one person to another, bipolar disorder can cause extreme upheaval in an individual’s life, affecting both personal and professional relationships.
This article explores whether bipolar disorder is hereditary and other causes and risk factors for the condition. It also discusses treatment for bipolar disorder.
Many factors contribute to bipolar disorder, but genetic factors are the most common.
People are not born with bipolar disorder, but genetics play a significant part in its development. Those with the condition
A person with a genetic risk of developing the condition may be more likely to develop it after experiencing psychological trauma or stressful life events.
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and scientists do not fully understand the role that genes play. A combination of many different genes likely increases a person’s risk of developing this condition.
People with bipolar disorder
A 2022 study examined participants with bipolar disorder using MRI scans. It found that those with the condition demonstrated faster enlargement of ventricular volumes and slower thinning of the fusiform and parahippocampal cortex compared to individuals without it.
Ventricular volume refers to the size of the ventricles of the brain, which are cavities that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The fusiform cortex, or fusiform gyrus, is a part of the visual cortex in the brain that helps with visual recognition. The parahippocampal cortex is a part of the brain that surrounds the hippocampus and helps process visual and contextual information.
The study authors noted that these structural changes may be associated with more frequent manic episodes.
Genetics and brain structure differences may work in in tandem with environmental conditions, such as stress and lifestyle factors, in the development of bipolar disorder.
Sleep deprivation
In a 2019 review of studies, researchers looked at the effects of sleep deprivation on people with bipolar disorder. They found that a lack of sleep can trigger manic episodes.
Therefore, maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle is a crucial step in managing bipolar disorder symptoms.
Medication, alcohol, and other substances
According to Mind, certain medications, such as some antidepressants, may cause manic or hypomanic episodes as a side effect.
Additionally, alcohol and recreational drug use may lead to symptoms that are similar to mania, hypomania, and depression.
A person may want to consider talking with their doctor about the potential side effects of medication and the effects of alcohol and recreational drug use.
Childhood trauma
Bipolar disorder may develop after experiencing psychological trauma in childhood. Some examples of childhood psychological trauma include:
- losing a loved one, such as a parent or caregiver
- neglect
- emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Stressful life events
Some common life stressors that may trigger bipolar disorder symptoms include:
- changing jobs, losing a job, or work-related stress
- experiencing a death in the family
- going to college
- going through a divorce
- experiencing loneliness or isolation
- experiencing financial difficulties or poverty
- experiencing abuse, bullying, or harassment
- going through a period of change or uncertainty
Numerous
Medication is a common treatment method. Doctors often prescribe mood stabilizers to prevent depressive and manic episodes.
Psychotherapy is another treatment that may be effective. It helps people identify and change problematic emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Mental health professionals can help a person manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
However, it is important to note that people may have difficulty engaging in or benefiting from psychotherapy during a manic episode.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another common therapy technique that helps individuals change their thought patterns and behaviors.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), CBT helps people recognize thought patterns that create problems and rethink them realistically.
CBT sessions may include strategies such as learning not to avoid fears, preparing for problematic interactions with others through roleplay, and learning techniques to stay calm.
CBT can help people by teaching them to:
- clearly identify problems
- challenge incorrect assumptions
- distinguish between irrational thoughts and facts
- understand how past experiences affect feelings and beliefs
- stop fearing the worst
- focus on the present reality instead of how one thinks it should be
- develop more positive thought patterns
Brain stimulation procedures, such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation, can help treat severe depressive and manic episodes when medication and talk therapy are ineffective.
People with bipolar disorder may not realize that they have the condition, even if their manic or depressive behavior disrupts their lives.
Once a doctor diagnoses the condition, people need to regularly consult with them to evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment.
A person needs to contact a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve with treatment, worsen, or interfere with their daily activities.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Although there is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder, it is not the only factor in the development of the condition. Other factors include structural differences in the brain, childhood trauma, and stressful life events.
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging. However, with certain lifestyle changes, medications, and talk therapy, it is possible to manage the symptoms and lead a full, happy, and productive life.