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sarahsweets · Nov 25, 2019, 02:21 PM

Quote:

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Experts believe there are a number of factors that work together to make a person more likely to develop it.

These are thought to be a complex mix of physical, environmental and social factors.

Chemical imbalance in the brain
Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain.

The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain's functions are called neurotransmitters, and include noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine.

There's some evidence that if there's an imbalance in the levels of 1 or more neurotransmitters, a person may develop some symptoms of bipolar disorder.

For example, there's evidence that episodes of mania may occur when levels of noradrenaline are too high, and episodes of depression may be the result of noradrenaline levels becoming too low.

Genetics
It's also thought bipolar disorder is linked to genetics, as it seems to run in families.

The family members of a person with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing it themselves.

But no single gene is responsible for bipolar disorder. Instead, a number of genetic and environmental factors are thought to act as triggers.

Triggers
A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Examples of stressful triggers include:

the breakdown of a relationship
physical, sexual or emotional abuse
the death of a close family member or loved one
These types of life-altering events can cause episodes of depression at any time in a person's life.

Bipolar disorder may also be triggered by:

physical illness
sleep disturbances
overwhelming problems in everyday life, such as problems with money, work or relationships

I think this is a pretty good summary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennyanydots

I've been wondering if one is born with bipolar if it one develops it later in life? I had m first "psychotic break" at 30 years old. Did i have bipolar as a kid or teenager but just never had an episode? I hear about people who aren't diagnosed until their 60s. Do we just suddenly develop it?

I've had 4 other psychotic breaks since my first episode. So 5 total in 9 years. *****, that's like about every 2 years which on that trend, I'm due for one in 2020. :\

I'm just curious, did any of you have episodes and diagnosis in as a teen or even younger? I could definitely do some research on the internet, but I'm curious to know from people who experience it first hand.