There is no definitive cause for bipolar disorder. Scientists now believe that many factors contribute to the disorder. The first is a chemical imbalance occurring in the brain triggered by neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, the stress hormone that can cause bipolar disorder. Having too high levels can cause mania. A low level of these chemicals can cause depression.
The genetic component of bipolar disorder has also been demonstrated to be important in discovering its causes. Bipolar disorder is more likely to occur in those with a family history. Twins of people with bipolar disorder are at the greatest risk for miscarriage. Genes and environmental factors are involved, not just one. Another trigger for an episode may be heightened stress (mainly emotional), substance use, and an illness which does not seem to be associated with bipolar disorder.
Aspects To Consider
In bipolar disorder, substance abuse is a major risk factor. Mixing episodes lead to substance abuse, as a need to feel balanced is not being met, and they do whatever it takes to stop the mixed emotions. Medications that are considered “downers” may temporarily relieve symptoms, but they cause even more problems down the road.
A person who is experiencing a depression episode may experience a manic depression, often followed by severe depression and other mental symptoms such as psychosis, while alcohol and tranquilizers are the drugs that can cause a person to enter a depression episode.
Any close friend or family member of someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder who takes drugs should be on alert. Drug users may not be themselves when they are using drugs and experiencing an episode, especially when the drugs wear off and psychotic bipolar disorder symptoms begin to appear.
The Main Cause Is Stress
In order to offset an episode, stress is usually responsible. People might be moved, fired, engaged, or divorced, among other things, and this can be a positive or negative event. If a person with bipolar disorder experiences any severe changes in their lives, extra care and support may be needed in order to ensure their successful adjustment.
Besides substance abuse, intermittent episodes can also be triggered by substance abuse. Bipolar disorder sufferers may choose to take drugs to try to “cure” themselves, but some may be already addicted to them. They could go into manic depression episodes from drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy while they could also go into depression episodes from alcohol.
Bipolar Disorder Treatments
The symptoms and bipolar disorder treatments of disorder can still be treated and episodes can be prevented while there is still no cure. Medical treatments are the most effective way to decrease symptoms. From group counseling to individual counseling, there are many options available. In cognitive therapy, the client learns to understand their disorders and how to handle them through changing their thinking and behavior patterns.
When someone with bipolar disorder works 60 hours a week and goes to the bar every day after work to feel better, a cognitive therapist would see that as a sign the person is on the road to depression and would help the individual to change his or her behavior.
Providing support to individuals with this disorder by means of family therapy has also proved effective. Bipolar disorder frequently leaves people feeling helpless and alone. It is obvious that the support alone improves the chances for better health when they show they are not alone and that they want to help them deal with the disorder. Therapies like these are helpful if the individuals seek them. The difficulty of helping someone is made more difficult if they are not willing to do anything to better them.
Any of the above medications should be discussed with a doctor before taking. It is likely that all medical treatments have side effects, depending on the body chemistry of the patient. Some side effects are more severe than others.
