Genetics
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that is characterized by extreme shifts in someone's emotional state. One side of the illness is extreme mania or erratic behavior and thinking. It is generally followed by extreme lows or depressive behavior. This can last anywhere from a few minutes to several months. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, genetics is said to play a large role in the development of bipolar disorder. Typically when parents or other close family members have suffered from bipolar disorder, severe manic depression or have had psychiatric hospitalization in the past, children have a strong chance of developing some level of bipolar disorder. According to a study called the Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database, scientists and researchers are studying whether someone's upbringing or childhood environment also plays a crucial role in whether they develop bipolar, or if it affects the severity of the disease.
Undiagnosed Illness
According the Cleveland Clinic, more than 2 million people suffer from bipolar disorder in the United States. Often a series of undiagnosed illnesses can affect if someone has bipolar disorder. People who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's disease and severe depression may eventually develop bipolar disorder because of the change in their mental awareness. Conditions such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychosis can mask bipolar disorder---especially if they are mild in form and remain undiagnosed by a medical professional. Because these patients may not be equipped with proper recovery tools such as cognitive and behavioral therapy along with a prescription medication regimen and diet, they may experience severe manic highs followed by the lows of their disease. Patients could have bipolar disorder but may remain undiagnosed because other mental illnesses mask the symptoms. It is important for people to get fully evaluated when they seek medical attention so that all symptoms are recognized and conditions can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Age Groups
There is no given age when someone will develop bipolar disorder. Children are often diagnosed when they start kindergarten or school. Some parents may think that their child's behavior of experiencing emotional ups and downs is just part of their personality. When a teaching professional sees that their behavior exhibits signs of bipolar disorder or some other underlying condition, he may suggest having the child evaluated by a school psychologist. The psychologist will do a preliminary examination and make a determination if the student shows signs of bipolar disorder. A meeting with additional mental health staff, teachers and the parents will be conducted in order to develop a plan of action for the success of the student. While any age group can develop visible symptoms of bipolar disorder, people between the ages of 18 and 35 can clearly display onset symptoms. This can make it increasingly difficult to function in college and throughout a career. It can also have a negative and dramatic effect on personal relationships, as his partner and family have to deal with the ups and downs. Seeking professional counseling and assistance is the first step in dealing with bipolar disorder in a positive way.
