What Causes Bipolar Disorder in the Brain?

What causes bipolar disorder in the brain? Many factors are involved. Here are a few of them: Genetics, Cyclothymic disorder, Stress, and Trauma. Read more to learn more about each one. Also, if you suspect that you have bipolar disorder, please call 911. Then, you can call the hospital to get yourself checked out. Homicidal thoughts and threats require immediate intervention. It is essential to protect yourself.

Genetics

There is some evidence that genetics plays a role in the development of bipolar disorder. If you have a first-degree relative who suffers from bipolar disorder, then you are more likely to develop the disorder yourself. However, there is no single gene that causes bipolar disorder. Researchers have looked at the genes of identical twins and found that if one twin has bipolar disorder, the chances of the other developing the disorder are between two and three times higher than in non-identical twins. If this study was successful, it would be 100% certain that the other twin would also suffer from the disorder.

To identify which genes are responsible for bipolar disorder, scientists have studied postmortem brain samples from dozens of individuals who suffer from the disorder. These studies have identified significant gene expression differences among bipolar disorder patients. The Lieber Institute has been involved in the study. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health have also worked on the project. The findings have implications for research on the causes of bipolar disorder, and they may lead to new treatments.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a type of bipolar disorder. People who have it experience mood swings that can interfere with their lives. It affects 0.4 percent to one percent of the population and affects women more often than men. Symptoms include rapid mood changes and extreme reactions to positive and negative events. In some cases, this disorder is caused by certain drugs or other underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms of cyclothymia are often confused with cluster-B personality disorders, which have overlapping diagnostic criteria. This can lead to a misdiagnosis. Nonetheless, if symptoms persist for over a year, it is possible to diagnose the condition. This disorder does not usually involve substance abuse or the use of illicit drugs. Moreover, the symptoms of cyclothymia are often accompanied by other mental health disorders and conditions.

Stress

People with bipolar disorder are more prone to experience mood episodes triggered by stressful events. Sometimes these events are spontaneous and set off an episode. Some examples of stressful life events include losing a job, having a baby, moving, and more. There is no definite definition of what causes stress, but many types of experiences can contribute to the condition. Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder that can affect a person in many different ways.

There are many factors that can increase the risk for bipolar disorder, including genetics and environmental factors. In addition to genetics, life events are also known to trigger relapses. Many people with bipolar disorder are sensitive to sensory input. They have deficits in sensory gating, a skill required to filter out unwanted information. This overload can cause symptoms of depression and mania. It is important to address the source of the stress, including the underlying cause.

Trauma

Researches suggest that childhood trauma may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder. Trauma affects the brain in a variety of ways and may have novel long-term pathophysiological consequences. Childhood trauma has been associated with an earlier onset, a higher risk of suicide, and altered cognitive functioning. In addition, it may reduce the ability to cope with later stressors, such as the onset of bipolar disorder.

A study on U.S. veterans found that children exposed to violence and abuse during childhood had a higher risk of developing mental illness than adults who had not experienced traumatic events. Researchers studied brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, inflammation markers, and inflammatory markers in the affected brains. After a year of treatment, the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder persisted for up to 15 years. Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing bipolar disorder in children by 28 times.

Neurotransmitter imbalances

There is some evidence to suggest that neurotransmitter imbalances are at the root of bipolar disorder. Studies of serotonin receptors and the brain have shown that the latter are more susceptible to depression than are a and b-adrenergic receptors. Genetic studies have shown that polymorphisms in certain enzymes involved in amine metabolism may also be associated with the disorder.

A stressful event in a person's life may trigger a mood episode. Sometimes it occurs spontaneously. Stressful life events may include a death in the family, a job loss, or a move. However, these stressors are not firmly defined. In some people, these symptoms are triggered by drugs or events. In other people, the condition is triggered by an event that triggers a depressive episode.