Each individual with bipolar disorder will have things that can trigger the disorder that are specific to the person. According to HelpGuide.org, it is important to pay attention to subtle changes in mood, sleep patterns, energy levels and thoughts when determining if an episode of bipolar disorder has been triggered. The earlier a developing episode is caught, the more likely it can be stopped from developing into a full-blown episode.
Substance Use
HelpGuide.org reports that alcohol can induce depression and drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines can trigger the onset of mania. Substance use even in moderation can have negative consequences for a person with bipolar disorder. It may not only trigger an episode but can also cause the symptoms to worsen.
Lack of Sleep
The amount of sleep a person with bipolar disorder gets can influence the symptoms of the disorder. HelpGuide.org notes that when a person gets too little sleep, even just a few hours of sleep loss can trigger a manic episode, while too much sleep can produce depression symptoms.
Stress
The daily experience of stress can induce manic and depressive episodes in people who have bipolar disorder, suggests HelpGuide.org. Becoming overwhelmed, dealing with more than you can handle and not having effective coping tools can trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Other Medications
When taking over-the-counter drugs, or medications prescribed by a doctor outside of the bipolar treatment team, these drugs or their interaction with other medications might trigger a bipolar episode, or reduce the effectiveness of the medicines being used to treat bipolar disorder, notes MayoClinic.com. It is important that the primary doctor treating the bipolar patient be contacted before any new medications are taken.
Treatment Medications
If a person with bipolar disorder stops taking a medication or reduces the dosage of the medication that is used as a part of treatment, a bipolar episode may be triggered. According to MayoClinic.com, stopping treatment medication without a doctor’s knowledge may have immediate consequences; the person may become depressed, suicidal or experience a manic or hypomanic episode.
Seasonal Changes
HelpGuide.org reports that seasonal changes can influence bipolar episodes. Manic episodes tend to occur during the summer months, while depression is more often triggered by the seasons of fall, winter and spring.
Arguments
The stress of an argument with someone may be enough to trigger a bipolar episode, notes HelpGuide.org. An argument may create enough stress to cause a person with bipolar to shift rapidly from a stable mood into mania or depression.
