Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder in the medical literature and is characterized by mood changes. People may be extremely energetic, enthusiastic and ambitious during manic episodes, but may feel depressed, sad and hopeless during depressive periods. This condition can seriously affect quality of life and have a major impact on work, relationships and general psychological well-being. Although the cause of bipolar disorder is not fully known, it is thought to occur as a result of a combination of various factors such as genetic factors, chemical imbalances and stress.
What is bipolar?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which mood swings are extreme. These fluctuations range between periods of mania (overly energetic and enthusiastic) and depression (depressed and sad). Although the cause of bipolar disorder is not fully known, genetic factors, chemical imbalances and environmental factors may be involved. Diagnosis and treatment are usually done by a psychiatrist and may include medications and psychotherapy. This condition can affect functionality, but with appropriate treatment and support, many people can live balanced lives.
What is bipolar disorder?
To briefly explain what bipolar disorder means, bipolar disorder is a psychological-psychiatric disorder that affects a person’s mood, energy, concentration and ability to perform daily activities. When bipolar disorder is at its highest level, the person becomes hyperactive and feels very happy. However, when he becomes depressed, he may close himself off to the outside world and even show suicidal tendencies. Bipolar disorder is characterized by two distinct periods of illness:
- Mania period: During this period, the person feels extremely energetic, talkative and active. He describes himself as strong. It doesn’t need sleep. Attention span shortens. May engage in risky behavior.
- Depression period: During this period, the person feels sad, unhappy and helpless. Its energy decreases. Concentration becomes difficult. He/she has difficulty doing daily activities. There may be suicidal thoughts.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition affected by a complex chain of causes. It usually involves not a single specific cause but a combination of a number of genetic, biological, environmental and psychosocial factors. Some factors regarding possible causes of bipolar disorder:
- Genetic Factors: There is strong evidence that bipolar disorder carries a genetic predisposition. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are more likely to have the condition than the general population.
- Biological Factors: Chemical imbalances in the brain and changes in neurotransmitters may play a role in the development of bipolar disorder. Irregularities in neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, can trigger this condition.
- Brain Structure and Function: Structural and functional differences have been observed in brain scans of individuals with bipolar disorder. In particular, changes in brain regions such as the frontal lobe, amygdala, and hippocampus have been associated with this disorder.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, especially increases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, can affect the severity of bipolar disorder. Hormonal imbalances can cause mood swings.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as traumatic life events, stress, and bad childhood experiences may also play a role in the emergence of bipolar disorder. These factors, combined with genetic predisposition, can trigger this condition.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse or addiction can increase the severity of the condition and worsen symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Although it is still not fully understood what causes bipolar disorder, there is strong evidence that interactions between genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of this condition. Treatment usually includes medications, therapy and lifestyle changes.