Bipolar is a condition in which there are extremes in moods and life experiences. There is no doubt that bipolar is a health condition that is serious and disabling to those that have it. It is a mental illness and it does require necessary treatment.
Unfortunately, neither doctors nor scientists understand why or what causes bipolar to happen. But, they have some ideas of what could be behind the way you feel.
Most believe that it is a combination of factors that lead to this condition including environmental, genetics, and biological factors. Doctors believe that these conditions not only cause the onset of bipolar in people but also control when the episodes that you experience happen and how frequently they do.
While is still not possible to answer WHY bipolar disorder symptoms happens, it's already possible to know six factors that can trigger or prolong mood episodes in individuals predisposed to this condition.
Factor 1 - Stress
When severe stress happens to an individual predisposed to bipolar disorder, mood disorders can be triggered or prolonged. Emotional traumas like
Factor 2 - Substance Abuse
Substance abuse doesn't cause bipolar disorder, but can trigger mood episodes. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can trigger depression.
Factor 3 - Major Life Event
Major life events (good or bad) like getting married or losing a job can trigger new mood episodes.
Factor 4 - Seasonal Changes
There is often a seasonal pattern in mood episodes: manic episodes are more common during the summer, and depressive episodes more common during the fall, winter, and spring.
Factor 5 - Sleep Deprivation
Sleep Deprivation (even few hours) can trigger mania episodes.
Factor 6 - Medication
There are some medications that may induce mania episodes. Over-the-counter cold medicine, caffeine, corticosteroids, thyroid medication, appetite suppressants and antidepressant drugs. If antidepressants are necessary during a depressive phase, they must be prescribed with a mood stabilizer to avoid mania episodes.
You now know some of the factors that can trigger (or prolong) mood episodes in individual predisposed to bipolar disorder.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about is suffering from this syndrome, you should learn the signs and symptoms to weight the need to seek out medical attention.
An early diagnosis and treatment can offer the best chance to improve your condition. Although there is no cure for Bipolar, just yet, there are many ways in which you can improve your chances of living a long and happy life.
