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Scientists don’t really know what causes bipolar disorder. They know that genes play a role. For instance, most people with bipolar disorder also have a relative with the same illness or some other mood disorder.
But genes alone do not cause someone to develop bipolar disorder. We don’t yet know what those other things are. But this is what we do know about bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar disorder most commonly starts in teenagers and young adults. But it can also first occur in children and older adults.
- Bipolar disorder equally affects people of all races and ethnic groups.
- Special chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, may be involved in the disease. If the levels of these chemicals are out of balance, it may be harder for brain cells to work normally.
- Bipolar disorder may be related to problems with hormone levels. For instance, experts have noticed a link between thyroid hormone levels and bipolar disorder.
- Certain parts of the brain may have a different size or shape in people with bipolar disorder. The changes could be a cause or symptom of the illness.
- In some cases, other illnesses may play a role in bipolar disorder.
See how many experts believe bipolar disorder happens.
Stressful events, good or bad, don’t cause bipolar disorder. But they can trigger a mood episode. For some people, a stressful event triggers their first signs of bipolar disorder.
Whatever the cause, bipolar disorder isn’t your fault. It’s a disease. It can happen to anyone.
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