However, research suggests that there is no single cause. Instead, a combination of factors may contribute to bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests that this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder.
But genes are not the only factor. Some studies of identical twins have found that even when one twin develops bipolar disorder, the other twin may not. Although people with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the disorder themselves, most people with a family history of bipolar disorder will not develop the illness.
Researchers are learning that the brain structure and function of people with bipolar disorder may be different from the brain structure and function of people who do not have bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders. Learning about the nature of these brain changes helps doctors better understand bipolar disorder and may in the future help predict which types of treatment will work best for a person with bipolar disorder.
At this time, diagnosis is based on symptoms rather than brain imaging or other diagnostic tests. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional diagnoses bipolar disorder based on the symptoms, lifetime course, and experiences of the individual. Some people have bipolar disorder for years before it is diagnosed. This may be because:. Treatment helps many people, even those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder.
Doctors treat bipolar disorder with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Certain medications can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some people may need to try several different medications and work with their doctor before finding the ones that work best.
The most common types of medications that doctors prescribe include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Mood stabilizers such as lithium can help prevent mood episodes or reduce their severity when they occur.
Lithium also decreases the risk for suicide. Additional medications that target sleep or anxiety are sometimes added to mood stabilizers as part of a treatment plan. Talk with your doctor or a pharmacist to understand the risks and benefits of each medication. Report any concerns about side effects to your doctor right away. Avoid stopping medication without talking to your doctor first.
Psychotherapy can offer support, education, skills, and strategies to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Psychotherapy often is used in combination with medications; some types of psychotherapy e. Not much research has been conducted on herbal or natural supplements and how they may affect bipolar disorder. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. Certain medications and supplements taken together can cause serious side effects or life-threatening drug reactions.
However, there are tools and resources available that may help you find a provider or treatment. Experts believe that thyroid hormones have major effects on brain function in adults. Depression and bipolar disorder are associated with abnormal thyroid function. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that releases hormones regulating growth and development. People with bipolar disorder often have hypothyroidism , or an underactive thyroid. Certain factors can trigger manic or depressive episodes.
Being familiar with your own personal triggers is one way to keep symptoms from worsening. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you feel you have one or more of the signs of bipolar disorder. They can check your physical health and also ask you some mental health screening questions. Your treatment will depend on your condition. It can vary from medication to therapy. Finding the right treatment can take some time.
Talk to your doctor if any medication causes unwanted side effects. There are other options you can try. These are some movies and TV shows that included a character with bipolar disorder and did it well. More representation can normalize a condition and…. From divulging during your first session to things you can do during and after additional visits, Healthline offers 10 tips for making the most of….
From structuring your day to staying active, here are seven ways to boost your mood during a depressive episode. Here are some factors to consider before talking with your doctor about trying a different treatment plan for bipolar disorder.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes Bipolar Disorder? Medically reviewed by Timothy J. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs mania or hypomania and lows depression.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Reilly-Harrington NA et al. Journal of Affective Disorders. Bipolar and related disorders. Arlington, Va. Accessed Dec. Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.
Bipolar disorder in children and teens. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Rochester, Minn. Suppes T, et al. Bipolar disorder in adults: Clinical features. Axelson D, et al. Pediatric bipolar disorder: Overview of choosing treatment. Birmaher B. Pediatric bipolar disorder: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and course. Picardi A, et al. Psychotherapy of mood disorders.
Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health. Fountoulakis KN, et al. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. Learn more about bipolar disorder in teenagers and how to treat it. Bipolar disorder can have two extremes: up and down.
To be diagnosed with bipolar, you must experience a period of mania or hypomania. Your brain structure may impact your risk for the disease. Abnormalities in the structure or functions of your brain may increase your risk.
Outside factors may contribute, too. These factors can include:. Each of these factors may influence who develops bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be passed from parent to child. Research has identified a strong genetic link in people with the disorder. If you have a relative with the disorder, your chances of also developing it are four to six times higher than people without a family history of the condition.
In addition, not everyone with bipolar disorder has a family history of the disease. Still, genetics seem to play a considerable role in the incidence of bipolar disorder.
If you have a family member with bipolar disorder, find out whether screening might be a good idea for you.
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder I involves either one or more manic episodes, or mixed manic and depressive episodes. It may also include a major depressive episode, but it may not. A diagnosis of bipolar II involves one or more major depressive episodes and at least one episode of hypomania. To be diagnosed with a manic episode, you must experience symptoms that last for at least one week or that cause you to be hospitalized. You must experience symptoms almost all day every day during this time.
Major depressive episodes, on the other hand, must last for at least two weeks. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because mood swings can vary. This age group often has greater changes in mood, behavior, and energy levels. Episodes may happen more often or become more extreme. Therefore, diagnosis is very important. See how bipolar disorder is diagnosed.
Instead, your doctor will use several tests and exams. These may include:. Your doctor may use other tools and tests to diagnose bipolar disorder in addition to these. Read about other tests that can help confirm a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Several treatments are available that can help you manage your bipolar disorder. These include medications, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Some natural remedies may also be helpful. Recommended medications may include:. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy.
You and a therapist talk about ways to manage your bipolar disorder. They will help you understand your thinking patterns. They can also help you come up with positive coping strategies. You can connect to a mental health care professional in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. Psychoeducation is a kind of counseling that helps you and your loved ones understand the disorder. Knowing more about bipolar disorder will help you and others in your life manage it.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy IPSRT focuses on regulating daily habits, such as sleeping, eating, and exercising. Balancing these everyday basics can help you manage your disorder.
Other lifestyle changes can also help relieve depressive symptoms caused by bipolar disorder.
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