Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, is a devastating mental illness. It has the potential to significantly lessen the quality of life for those who suffer from the condition. Millions of adults are diagnosed with the disorder each year and bipolar causes have eluded researchers since the illness was first given a name.
Medical professionals define bipolar as an illness that causes extreme mood swings, which are often accompanied by inappropriate behavior. There two phases of the disorder are the manic phase and the depressive phase. With the latter, one may be fatigued, irritable, anxious or even suicidal. The symptoms one experiences in the manic phase include a severe lack of concentration, an agitated state of mind, aggressive behavior and incoherent speech.
Even though the precise cause of the illness has eluded researchers, it is thought that biological factors may be involved. There is a certain gene responsible for regulating the human circadian rhythm. Some researchers feel that if this gene does not properly develop it may contribute to the presence of manic depression. Misfiring neurotransmitters may also be contributing factors.
Circadian rhythms usually adhere to a 24 hour schedule and influence processes in the body such as hormone levels, blood pressure and sleep-wake cycles. If any of these, especially hormone levels, become imbalanced, the result can be violent mood swings. Although not always beneficial to every patient, hormone supplements are sometimes prescribed for those suffering from the manic-depressive disorder.
Genetics also influence one's risk of developing manic depression. If an individual has a parent, brother or sister who suffers from the disorder, his or her chances of developing it are twenty percent. However, one must understand that the condition can also afflict those who have no family history of manic-depression.
Environmental factors also play a role in one's risk of developing the disorder. These aspects include a stressful lifestyle or the use of illegal drugs. These factors alone do not automatically cause manic depression, but can trigger the onset of the illness in those who are at risk to develop it at some time throughout their life.
Treatments are available for those suffering from the condition. Unfortunately, however, some individuals who exhibit such symptoms are often misdiagnosed. Those who suspect that they are experiencing manic depressive symptoms or who wish to understand more about bipolar causes should speak to a licensed health care professional about their concerns.
Medical professionals define bipolar as an illness that causes extreme mood swings, which are often accompanied by inappropriate behavior. There two phases of the disorder are the manic phase and the depressive phase. With the latter, one may be fatigued, irritable, anxious or even suicidal. The symptoms one experiences in the manic phase include a severe lack of concentration, an agitated state of mind, aggressive behavior and incoherent speech.
Even though the precise cause of the illness has eluded researchers, it is thought that biological factors may be involved. There is a certain gene responsible for regulating the human circadian rhythm. Some researchers feel that if this gene does not properly develop it may contribute to the presence of manic depression. Misfiring neurotransmitters may also be contributing factors.
Circadian rhythms usually adhere to a 24 hour schedule and influence processes in the body such as hormone levels, blood pressure and sleep-wake cycles. If any of these, especially hormone levels, become imbalanced, the result can be violent mood swings. Although not always beneficial to every patient, hormone supplements are sometimes prescribed for those suffering from the manic-depressive disorder.
Genetics also influence one's risk of developing manic depression. If an individual has a parent, brother or sister who suffers from the disorder, his or her chances of developing it are twenty percent. However, one must understand that the condition can also afflict those who have no family history of manic-depression.
Environmental factors also play a role in one's risk of developing the disorder. These aspects include a stressful lifestyle or the use of illegal drugs. These factors alone do not automatically cause manic depression, but can trigger the onset of the illness in those who are at risk to develop it at some time throughout their life.
Treatments are available for those suffering from the condition. Unfortunately, however, some individuals who exhibit such symptoms are often misdiagnosed. Those who suspect that they are experiencing manic depressive symptoms or who wish to understand more about bipolar causes should speak to a licensed health care professional about their concerns.
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