The Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Like most other mental illnesses, the causes behind bipolar disorder have not been clearly mapped out. However, scientists are taking advantage of the new brain imaging technologies and genetic studies to help to explain why some people develop bipolar disorder and others do not. The disorder may be caused by genetics, brain changes, or even environmental factors.

The Genetic Influence

Scientists seem to agree that genetics plays a large part in who will develop bipolar disorder and who will not. The important thing to remember is that scientists have determined there is not a single gene that causes bipolar disorder. Instead, the condition is influenced by a multiple number of genes, all of which play a role in the development of the disorder. It has been definitely determined that genetics is not the single cause of the disorder; other factors have been found to play a part as well. For example, scientists have found that in identical twins, one twin may have the disorder and the other twin may not. However, that particular twin is more likely to develop the disorder than a non-identical sibling.

Changes in the Brain

Like depression, bipolar disorder may be caused by certain changes in the brain. The disorder may develop due to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, although scientists are not certain of the exact origins of the imbalance. Technology including magnetic resonance imaging is giving scientists the opportunity to scan the living brain in order to learn more about how people function with bipolar disorder. These scans also allow scientists to examine in differences in the brain of a person who has bipolar disorder versus someone who doesn’t.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of the disorder. Factors like stress or major life changes can aid in the development of the illness. People who are already prone to anxiety and depression may also be more likely to develop the disease, as are people with a dependence on drugs and alcohol.

There are numerous factors and varying degrees of these elements that may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. Although scientists are not sure of the exact roots of the illness, a combination of these factors could hold the key.