Those who suffer from bipolar mania (also known as manic-depressive illness) experience highs and lows of mood, activity levels and ability to function. The brain disorder tends to show symptoms of severe ups and downs in teen or young adult years, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The causes of bipolar mania aren't entirely known, but experts list some risk factors and associations which may help explain why some people become bipolar.
Genetics
Bipolar disorder seems to be more common within family groupings. Because of shared genetic structures, the NIMH states you are more likely to suffer bipolar disorder if a family member also has the malady. The NIMH states a child with either a sibling or parent with bipolar disorder is four to six times more likely to develop the mania than a child with no family link to the disorder.
Brain Structure
People diagnosed with bipolar disorder tend to have similar brain structure anomalies. Brain imaging diagnostic tools like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have shown similarities among bipolar disorder patients as well as differences from normal brain structures, according to the NIMH. There may be common patterns of brain development in patients who suffer from unstable mood disorders like bipolar disorderr.
Neurochemical Factors
Neurochemical factors may result in bipolar disorder. The disorder is basically a biological malady that impacts certain areas of the brain because of chemical neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, according to Steve Bressert, Ph.D. of Psych Central. Bressert says the biological disorder may be dormant in the brain and become triggered by an external catalyst such as a psychological stressor.
Environmental Factors
An acute change in health could bring on bipolar disorder. Abusing alcohol or drugs could bring on the disorder. Dr. Bressert states that even a hormonal change could trigger a bipolar mania in someone who has the dormant biological tendency.
Medication
Medications such as antidepressants may induce the manic phase of a bipolar disorder in those who tend to be susceptible to the malady. Even over-the-counter cold medications and appetite suppressants could cause a manic episode in those who have the bipolar disorder tendency according to Dr. Bressert. Thyroid medications and too much caffeine can also cause a manic response.
