Causes

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, though several theories exist explaining the disorder. Theories address brain chemical imbalances, abnormalities in nerve message transfer systems, electrolyte imbalances, behavioral sensitivity, and disruption of the body’s circadian (daily) rhythm as potential causes.

There is an increased risk of developing the disorder if a parent or sibling has been diagnosed with the disorder, indicating a possible genetic cause. Developmental, environmental, and stress factors all appear to have an impact on the development of this disorder. Episodes may be triggered by drug abuse, stressful or traumatic events, or illness.

Improvements in technology allow researchers to take pictures of the brain in people with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Examining how parts of the brain function in people with and without various disorders, will hopefully lead to improved understanding of a number of mental disorders. With this understanding, we may be able to develop new treatments and improve our ability to predict which treatments would be most effective for specific individuals.