Causes Of Bipolar Disorder
What Are The Causes Of Bipolar Disorder?
Any discussion of, or article about, the causes of bipolar disorder, is apt to be noted for its brevity. In short, the causes of this illness are not specifically known, although there are areas under study. The causes of many mental illnesses can, in fact, be difficult to determine. Genetics often plays a significant role, environment does as well. Often it is a combination of things, none of which can, by themselves, be considered a cause, leading to a particular illness or set of symptoms.
To make things even more difficult, bipolar disorder can often be diagnosed as something else, depression being an example. Also, bipolar disorder comes in various forms or types. The classic case of bipolar disorder is where the afflicted individual experiences swings, in some cases rapid swings, between episodes of mania and episodes of depression. These episodes vary from mild and barely noticeable, to episodes characterized by extreme, and even psychotic, behavior.
A person experiencing type 1 bipolar episodes may have periods of mania only, with few if any periods of depression. A person with type 2 bipolar illness will swing back and forth between mania and depression, but outwardly appears quite normal. Such a person may have extended periods of mania, during which he appears to be a highly ambitious and capable person, though perhaps a bit high-strung.
Genetics appears to be an area in which causes of bipolar disorder may be brought to light. There is evidence to support the fact that genetics does play a role, at least to the extent that the disease has a tendency to run in families. If one of a person's parents has the disease, that person has a statistically higher chance of getting it. Genetics is only a partial answer however. If it were the answer, then if one identical twin had the disease, the other would as well. This has not been the case.
It appears that the cause of the disease is due in part to genetics, and due in part to the person's environment. There apparently is some combination involving the two areas that scientists have not been able to isolate.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is one technique where scientists hope to learn more about the disease, and possibly about its cause. The brains of people with the illness exhibit some differences, when compared with the brains of those not having the disease. As researchers attempt to understand why this is the case, and get a better grasp on just what the differences are, some clues as to the causes of bipolar disorder may yet emerge.
Even though we don't yet know the causes of bipolar disorder, it is comforting to know that great strides have been made through the years in its treatment. Unlike a century ago, one afflicted with the disease need no longer fear being institutionalized, that being the only form of treatment available.