What Are The Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder

Everyone experiences changes in their mood as they go about their life. Changes in mood are a natural part of life. But what happens when these swings are so extreme that they interfere with your daily tasks? 

People struggling with bipolar disorder experience something with a resemblance to that.

Bipolar disorder is a distressing mental health condition that can affect your mood, energy, and ability to function. Previously known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterised by periods of intense emotional ‘highs’ and ‘lows’. 

Think of it as being on a rollercoaster. For most people, this is a quick and enjoyable ride that they can get off of when they want. For someone with bipolar disorder, the rollercoaster’s brakes are faulty, and they have no control over its direction or speed.

The mood episodes associated with bipolar can be majorly categorised into manic/hypomanic episodes or depressive episodes. 

A manic or hypomanic episode is the so-called ‘high’. You feel euphoric, full of energy, or irritable. A manic episode is differentiated from a hypomanic episode by the intensity of the symptoms. If symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalisation, then they are indicative of a manic episode. 

A depressive episode is the other extreme; it is indicated by feeling sad, hopeless, or losing interest in otherwise pleasurable activities.

Along with alternating between manic/hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes, bipolar disorder also includes changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, and the ability to focus. Based on the pattern of symptoms being experienced, one can be diagnosed with different types of bipolar disorder.  

Types of Bipolar Disorder

The types of bipolar disorder include- 

1. Bipolar I

Bipolar I is characterized by ‘manic episodes’ that last for at least 7 days or that require immediate hospitalisation. Men and women are equally likely to experience Bipolar I disorder.

1. Bipolar II

Bipolar II is characterised by a pattern of ‘hypomanic episodes’ that last for at least 4 days, and depressive episodes that typically last for two weeks. Women are more likely to experience this form of bipolar disorder.

1. Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia refers to the experience of both hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last for a period of 2 years. This is a less severe form of bipolar I and II. 

Risk Factors of bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition. It is caused by the interplay of many factors—some biological, some environmental. Some of these causes have been described below- 

Biological

1. Genetics

Genetics plays a role in determining one’s vulnerability to bipolar disorder. Having a first degree relative (parent or sibling) who has been diagnosed with bipolar greatly increases one's likelihood of developing the disorder. 

1. Brain Structure

Changes in the hippocampus—the part of the brain that is involved in creating memories—indirectly affect mood and impulses, and have been linked to the development of certain mood disorders. Similarly, changes in the functioning of the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell- can result in changes in patterns of energy production and use, which could explain some of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.

1. Neurotransmitters

The human brain creates various chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals influence mood, energy, and daily functioning. Imbalances in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine have been linked to the development of mood disorders. 

Environmental Factors

1. Stress

Events such as the end of a relationship, the start of a new job, or moving to a new city can be extremely stressful. Research has suggested that prolonged exposure to high stress events can trigger manic or depressive episodes. Additionally, lack of good quality sleep can also increase the risk of a manic episode.

1. Trauma

Experiencing traumatic events such as childhood abuse, neglect, or the death of a parent can increase one’s likelihood of developing bipolar disorder.

1. Substance Abuse

Although substance abuse such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription drugs cannot cause bipolar disorder, it can hasten or intensify the symptoms experienced during an episode. 

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition, but it is not without hope. With the right interventions and professional mental health support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. The first step in this journey is recognising the problem-if you feel like you might be experiencing symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder, speak to a mental health professional today!

References:

The Healthline Editorial Team. (2020, July 7). What causes bipolar disorder? Healthline. Retrieved May 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-causes#brain-connection 

Holland, K. (2021, November 29). What's bipolar disorder? how do I know if I have it? Healthline. Retrieved May 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder#causes-and-risk-factors 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, February 16). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May, 2022 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955 

Newman, T. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder: Causes, symptoms, types, and treatment. Medical News Today. Retrieved May 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010#diagnosis 

Roland, J. (2019, November 5). Bipolar disorder episodes: Signs, treatment, and more. Healthline. Retrieved May 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/episodes#Diagnosing-bipolar-disorder 

WebMD. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder causes & risk factors. WebMD. Retrieved May 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-causes