Causes

We are still not sure exactly what causes bipolar disorder, although researchers are making progress all the time.

Brain chemistry

• Every experience we have is in some way related to chemical activities in the brain.

• Chemicals in the brain carry messages from one brain cell to another. The chemicals are called neurotransmitters, and there are at least 100 different types.

• Getting signals from one brain cell to another in the proper way affects thought, mood, memory and learning.

• Bipolar disorder may be caused by imbalances, either too much or too little, of some of these chemicals in the brain, which means the signals are not passed on properly.

Genetics (Passed down through families)

• Bipolar disorder seems to run in families. About two thirds of people with bipolar disorder have a close relative who also has the disorder, or who suffers from severe depression.

• So it does appear that a family history of bipolar disorder or depression can increase your risk of developing the illness, although it doesn’t explain the cause completely.

Traumatic life events

• Stressful or traumatic life events can also lead to someone’s first episode of bipolar disorder.

• Sometimes it’s a death in the family, the loss of a job, the birth of a child, or a move.