Bipolar Disorder: The Why?

Two months ago I had posted a thread in the ADD/ADHD subforum positing a "theory" stating that perhaps ADD/ADHD and Bipolar disorder are in fact the same disorder only at different stages of development. However, due to conflicting information, my "theory" proved to be rather faulty. For any who read this thread, and had either read or participated in my previous thread, I'd like to inform you that I am only going to focus on thoughts regarding Bipolar disorder, and would like to exclude any relation to ADD/ADHD. I, however, will still use repressed emotions as the focal point of my "argument"

The purpose of this thread is to discuss what those of you feel and think are plausible "causes" or reasons for why Bipolar disorder exists. There are many threads that speak of what Bipolar disorder is and its effects on one's life however I see few about the actual nature of Bipolar disorder, or in other words, the WHY of it.

I'd like to share with the members of this forum what I feel may be a plausible "theory". Bipolar disorder may be when the individual can no longer continue to repress their emotions and the subconcious is pushed to its threshold. DEFENSIVE MECHANISM. The individual can no longer contain the emotions that are being repressed however neither can the emotions be released. The body uses the chemicals dopamine and the chemical that is known as depression in order to keep the emotions "in check" or to "combat" the emotions. Perhaps to continue the repression of the emotions. Or perhaps the individual cannot release the emotions contained within. The emotions want to come out but the opponent process hold them in (going into a depressed state, possibly).

Bipolar disorder more than likely manifests itself early on, at sometime in childhood, due to repressed emotions, which I believe affects the development of the child's brain. Repressed emotions meaning environmental issues, or problems, the child could not cope with so it created a neurological network that was "not normal". Which effects behavior/perceptions. Also, this might explain why Bipolar disorder doesn't normally appear until later on in life, due to the full development of the brain as well as increased time to allow repressed emotions to remain, and perhaps even be more, deeply repressed.

If emotions truly are forms of love and fear, then perhaps dopamine and depression correspond with those two emotions. When the individual is repressing love, then dopamine is released, which is mania. When the individual is repressing fear, then depression is released, which is clinical depression. Or perhaps vice versa. Depression for the repression of love and mania for repression of fear. Neurotransmitters released create the bipolar mania and counter depression based on a set of neurological "wiring" that is at "cross purposes".

What emotions?
Anxiety/Anger; FEAR (Subconcious)

Causal
Fear------>Bipolar (Yes)
Bipolar------>Fear (No)
Fear=Bipolar (No)

One causes the other and the other causes the one and it is a vicious cycle.

For the most part, please focus on the text in bold for they are the main, summarized points that I'd like to make and the supporting text may or may not entirely coincide with said points, in light of additional information that may be added in the form of other members' posts.

Reminder: Although I definitely look forward to responses in regards to my "theory", I'd also like to encourage others to share "theories" or thoughts of their own, regardless of how different they may be from mine.

This is an interesting theory, I am just wondering about, what your theory would be in say a rather healthy individual, regarding say someone who does not repress emotions, no childhood problems, fear ext. but still exhibits symptoms of Bipolar. Otherwise mentally healthy person with healthy coping skills outside of an acute episode?

Also Confusing, at least to me, the idea that Bipolar would be repressed emotions, it seems to me to be the opposite, that people with Bipolar have a very hard time repressing emotions at all, more like a flood of emotions being released.

I had a normal childhood, loving parents and didn't have excessive fear in anything. I felt a little lonely during my childhood, but it wasn't repressed. My parents knew I had a hard time and so they compensated by involving the kids in a lot of activities and encouraging us to meet our goals.

I agree with Anika, too. I have a very very hard time repressing my emotions and sometimes it gets the better of me. Sometimes I wish I wasn't that emotional.

Yes, people with Bipolar disorder have a very hard time repressing emotions at all, that is true, but you seem to not have grasped exactly what I am saying. My point is that due to emotions being repressed during childhood, the individual in later life exceeds what I suppose I'd call an emotional capacity which causes them to enter episodes of mania and depression. The repressed emotions help develop Bipolar disorder but are not necessarily apart of what Bipolar disorder essentially is. Rather, Bipolar disorder is a neurological "problem" carried out by neurotransmitters which create mania and depression because of the repressed emotions. Perhaps it is more correct to say that Bipolar disorder allows the individual to "expend" some emotion through the aid of the chemicals found in the brain.

Now then, as to how the theory applies to those who feel they did not have repressed emotions during childhood , all I can say is that that is definitely the major weakness to my theory, I will not lie. But I would also like to point out that although one may feel they never really repressed their emotions in childhood, we can never reallly know exactly how anything we experience in our lives affects us. In my opinion, one does not necessarily have to have had any particularly abusive or traumatic experiences during or throughout childhood, especially according to society's standards, for someone to have a minor or significant "change" in one's emotional status. A rather permanent change. Perhaps the people who also experience such a change are already more susceptible to such because of their genetics, another factor of major relevance towards Bipolar disorder. Nothing is for certain however, and I would not blame anyone for remaining highly skeptical but I still feel the theory is at the least, plausible.

Oh, I am not saying it isn't a possibility, or one there of.

I am having trouble with the repressed emotion part. I have never been one to really suppress nor repress my emotions, not as a child or as an adult. I know my self quite quite well. I understand that you don't agree. I did grasp exactly what you are saying. I am just not fully in agreement.

As I understand you do not have Bipolar you have ADD/ADHD ? While they may share a few overlapping symptoms, I would argue that they are not the same illness. Bipolar as you know is a Mood disorder, while ADD/ADHD is an attention disorder. ADD/ADHD is chronic, Bipolar episodic. These are actually big differences. I have Bipolar 1, I do not relate a lot to ADD, a bit maybe when manic but not really, as mania has many symptoms not experienced with ADD. I do understand some symptoms overlap, but many do not. I would think Bipolar to be more closely related to schizophrenia, in these terms.

I can appreciate the thought and time you have put into your theory. I can see your points to an extent.

Ok sorry you said to excuse the ADD connection and I missed that. I'm not going to claim I know the why's of bipolar. I believe it is more than genetics, and chemicals, repression who knows, for those who don't repress? Still I don't know.

Here's how science works:

Step 1: Collect Data
Step 2: Develop a theory that fits the data

Here is how pseudo science works:

Step 1: Develop a theory
Step 2: Force all data to fit the theory

However, truth is a relative and depends on time, space, culture, tradition.... So it is hard to determine what is the truth when it comes to human psyche.

If I can speak to myself I come from country where being cold is the standart. I often wonder that maybe I would do much better in Italy, because it would be normal to scream, squeel and cry and I would not struggle as much. Of course, that is a speculation... but I definitelly had problems with perfectionism and emotions. I feel I did impose some of my mental quirks on myself.

The repressing emotions theory definitely isn't true for me. I've never repressed anything. I've always been all over the place and very forward with my emotions, feelings and opinions.

But, it's an interesting theory.
Good luck

Bipolars can't release their emotions? BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

I think it's fantastic that you have created a theory on the subject, as it's a very interesting and relevant one. However, I'd have to disagree with it. It seems far too generalized - expecting everyone with Bipolar Disorder to have had issues with repressing emotions during their childhood. It's just not realistic. I think with all mental illnesses, some had difficult childhoods with emotions repressed, and others didn't. We can't lump everyone into a certain category.

I have trouble releasing emotions but I believe it might mean that I have negative symptoms of schizophrenia - my diagnosis is undecided between Bipolar I and Schizoaffective.

Originally Posted by NotCrazyLikeYou
Here's how science works:

Step 1: Collect Data
Step 2: Develop a theory that fits the data

Here is how pseudo science works:

Step 1: Develop a theory
Step 2: Force all data to fit the theory

Not necessarily. Lev Vygotsky, the late Russian psychologist who is basically the father of all modern child development theories, developed the theory and then experiments brought in the data that confirmed the theory. He did not force the data, he just had brilliant intuition and keen understanding and insight, so he basically predicted outcomes of experiments. Although he is unique among 20th century psychologists in his lasting influence, I bet he is not the only example when theory comes first, even in the modern data-driven age.

Hamster, can I ask why you're on lithium and depakote at the same time?

Sigh. Unless there's a 'correct' hypothesis out there that will result in a cure, I can't drum up too much interest in the cause(s).

I don't think I 'buy' your theory as it is stated.

I admit that I've only just now read your post and have not pondered it, so I'll go so far to say that maybe all that your saying may have some validity some of the time.

It doesn't seem to fit my case very well.

There's probably many things that 'trigger' Bipolar Disorder.

Don't forget to hit me as soon as you come up with a possible cure, though!!!! It doesn't even have to be a real 'cure'!!! A 'permanent remission' will do!!!

I am wondering about people who are diagnosed with Bipolar at a very young age, such as myself. I was 12 years old; hardly old enough to even have much experience in life, much less acquire years and years of suppressed feelings. I know it is unusual to be diagnosed at a young age, but it is certainly not impossible. That is why there are adolescent psychiatric units.

Also, I tend to think that children do not suppress feelings very well at all. A 4 year-old having a temper tantrum in a super market is certainly not suppressing their feelings! The ability to suppress feelings is something one gains as they get older, IMHO. Young children tend to say and do pretty much whatever they are feeling at the time... unless there is some kind of severe trauma or abuse.

I've never repressed any emotions....thats what gets me in trouble. My childhood wasn't perfect but I'm convinced that has nothing to do with my being bipolar. I firmly beleive that genetics are to blame. My grandfather was bipolar, my aunt was and I beleive my mother was, although she was never diagnosed.My sister is bipolar too. So is my daughter, she was 13 when she was diagnosed and she is certainly not guilty of repressing any feelings.

Ok, I apologize, I thought you didn't understand what I was saying.

Honestly, I do not know, in fact I haven't even been officially diagnosed as ADHD, although I am 100% positive I am. My psychiatrist believes that I may be Bipolar, however I personally do no believe so.

Yes, no, maybe so, who knows.

Unfortunately, not only do I not have the assets to acquire data, of any sort, aside from statistics and information already available, I also do not even know what kind of data would be useful in aiding my theory. Thing is, this isn't only science. Hell, its almost not even science at all. It's psychology.

"The truth is that psychological statements which describe human behavior or which report results from tested research can be scientific. However, when there is a move from describing human behavior to explaining it there is also a move from science to opinion."
---Sigmund Koch

Yes, my theory is completely theoretical. With no supporting data. Considering not even the psychiatric community, whom do have the assets to acquire data, haven't yet developed a theory regarding the cause of Bipolar disorder, especially not one with data, I don't necessarily believe I am wrong in making an attempt. Even if relevant data could be acquired, which even that is a question of its own, would that data even be useful in developing a theory? This is where the line between science and psychology blurs and it is up to us humans to figure it out. That is why I developed my theory using, at least in my opinion, simple logical reasoning. Call it pseudoscience. Call it pseudo-psychology. Call it wrong. It makes no difference. The purpose is the same.

Thank you, and yes, after reading the responses, I would have to agree with you. The theory is far too generalized. Mainly because of, yes, the assumption that everyone with bipolar disorder has had repressed emotions during childhood, which can be seen as a logical fallacy largely because of the generalization itself and the degree to which it is true or not. Unfortunately, due to the fact that this is completely theoretical, it was rather hard to avoid such a generalization but I would have to agree with you. We can't lump everyone into a certain category.

I don't buy this theory. Mine is that there are genetic and environmental factors that cause predispositions to mental illness, and some of us get unlucky with that.

I'm about as far away from emotionally repressed as you can get and had a great childhood. My life is pretty darn good on the overall. That doesn't mean that my body doesn't have an unusual brain structure and imbalanced neurotransmitter levels for entirely different reasons - like genetics. There's more evidence for genetic heritability of bipolar disorder than any other disease. Everyone knew that it ran in families before there was any scientific study to verify that - and verify that they have indeed done.

My advice is to do some research in the scholarly literature before coming up with theories of your own. This is a major step in scientific research, very time consuming, and very important. When you build off the work of others (which has to be carefully peer reviewed and subject to all kinds of criticism before it's even published) you can get a lot further with developing useful theories.

I am sorry if I am chiming in to late, and if this has already been directed.... and if no one agrees or cares to read or i this is a dead subject thread. but I had read it earlier and was thinking on it.

The Why-- I have asked a lot of "WHY" questions in my life with mental illness (not only me but my family as well or their actions).. WHY..It comes down to - Some things just don't have an absolute answer- right? Or that is at least how I am coping right now with the really complex things that don't have a full blown answer- It does bother me at times with me being a problem solver with things.

And not everyone fits into nice little boxes (unless you talk of a coffin box, well then, we all can fit in one right?- sorry sick humor lately). But humans don't fit in nice little boxes that they fit into a subject for- we are all individuals and we all have different skills, views, morals, what not that make us- us. We could have two people of the same dx, but be different in ways; and one may not even experience what another does (lets take rapid cycling, mixed state, psychosis, mania for that manner, even depression is different for others).

I like a lot of what has been said on this thread, but what Venus Halley mentioned- The Data that is collected is not always "True" Due to it is us humans that provide it. I can see that and honestly say I can agree with it- It takes a person to remember everything, and to be fully honest and to speak up for the data to be true- I can honestly say I have not done that when I was seeing the Therapist and Pdoc- I DID Try best, but with some things are slip of the mind, or I counter attack it of - maybe it was not bipolar of that sort at that time- who knows

This may sound crazy - (it does to my boyfriend so I am sure to others it would too) but I wish at times, that I could just open up all my memories to a Doctor that I trusted to help me out, or for them to observe me for a length of time with out me knowing it-- OH Geez the extreme paranoid people I can hear you know, for my boyfriend (he is in that category so please don't thing I am poking fun) expressed the concern of this wish of mine, and that it was ridiculous for me to wish it and partially really dumb to .. I Can agree at times, but when I am of another mind of mine, I think it would be quiet beneficial for studies on the disease and for help.

Another thing- Repression of emotions - I have a family member that agrees our child hood was bad, however- I do believe he has repressed a lot of his memories with actions (Due to when we get on the subject he gets mad at me, and will for months- not just mad, enraged like I am trying to break/hurt him or what not, when I am not in all honesty I just wish he would let out some demons or at least acknowledge them- think that would help with getting better but what do I know- what works for one, does not work for another as well). This member of my family that I speak of is Full Blown Bipolar 1 and goes through manic episodes that can be really bad, and can have black outs. I am not totally agreeing with the theory of "repression (fear) = bipolar" but there is a link for all that are in total disagreement of it as well... No He does not repress his emotions of anger or others of the such- Don't mean to sound like an oxy moron here, but he has repressed childhood issues, but as an adult (even teenager) he didn;t and does not repress/suppress emotions/actions and so forth. and he needs to get into therapy for some more coping skills than what he has been doing, but that is a personal thing with an individual

Now with me, I am a "complex person" as that one psychologist said and I am not sure what the hell she meant and part of me takes it as offending and a complement
But I am told that I am biploar2, rapid cycle (perhaps mixed state at times) with Sever PTSD (which T put Borderline traits on me but the Pdocs did not; please heed the traits part on that). So where do people with rapid cycling, mixed state, not full blown Bipolar 1 (those to which do go into the height of mania), all fit in?

Who knows...

One Of The last time seeing my therapist before she booted me out (think I scared her and I am sorry and I feel awful about it), but she mentioned--- Maybe I should just be, stop thinking so much with my Dx's and just be---

As well as, in my hopelessness not too long ago- I told her-- There is no cure for a person like me... She reminded me that there is no cure for Diabetes BUT that people do manage their diabetes to keep living and I could do the same with my disease.

I don't mean to get off the subject but I have PTSD- The Pdoc that I saw at one time told me that- Even with that- PTSD_ They don't know a lot about that... and who knows, perhaps a lot could be touching/over lapping with other DX's.

I did enjoy this thread, and one of the main reasons is that it answered on of my own side questions-- How many people with Bipolar have not had a bad child hood.. For the few friends that I have that have a similar DX as me, bad child hoods but yet Bipolar.

Another last thing I would like to add- and again this is not a box thing but something that the first pdoc that I saw told me-- This was from a Pdoc btw- but that a lot of families (not all) that have a few bipolar dx members in the family, can be quiet chaotic.... Take that how you wish to-- Perhaps it was just for me for how I was raised, not sure.

The bottom line with all of is -
Please all take care of yourselves and try to better yourselves- that is with any or no dx of mental health by the way.

Be well