Mental disorders and diseases are as common as health disorders or diseases. However, mental disorders are not something that everyone clearly has an understanding of; hence, often mistaken. While any unusual behaviour is commonly termed as “insanity”, they often have a clear, medical explanation and thereby, can be treated well, if diagnosed at an early stage.
Bipolar Disorder is one such mental disorder that many people suffer from. The characteristic of this mental disorder is extreme mood swing. In this condition, people switch between an extremely positive mood, referred to as ‘mania’ and an extremely negative mood, commonly known as ‘depression‘. A large population throughout the globe, is currently suffering from Bipolar Disorder; but just a little percentage of so is diagnosed.
Is Bipolar Heredity
Like all other psychological disorders, there is no specific, singular factor that can be said to be the sole cause of bipolar. However, amongst the many contributing factors, heredity is a significant one. Though the specific genetic factor has not been identified by the scientists yet, it can still be said that abnormalities in the genes is a contributing factor to bipolar disorder. In fact, about 80% of all bipolar disorder cases are found to be associated with a genetic cause.
Yet of course, heredity or genetic causes cannot be blamed as the sole reason behind this condition. This is because, in that case, it would be found in identical twins. However, it is often found that only one of the twins suffers from bipolar disorder.
In fact, even if one or both the parents have Bipolar Disorder, there is no guarantee that the child too will suffer from that. But of course, the chances increase to about 3.5 times, in comparison to those, who have no parent with Bipolar Disorder. While 4% to 15% children with Bipolar Disorder has one or both parents having this condition, only 0% to 2% of the children have this condition, who have no parent having this condition. Research studies have shown that Bipolar Disorders run in the family and when closely watched, at least one member in the family can be found to have this disorder. While lifestyle and environmental changes are some of the most important factors that can affect the severity of this condition, it can be said to be hereditary.
What are the Other Factors That Leads to Bipolar?
Why any mental disorder occurs is a question that everyone has in mind. Not always is there a clear answer to this question. However, amongst the different causes, what might be instrumental in case of Bipolar Disorder is heredity. The other causes of bipolar disorder include:
Biological Causes of Bipolar Disorder:
Along with heredity, biological changes also contribute in the occurrence of Bipolar Disorder. When neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine levels do not function properly, they contribute in extreme mood swings.
Environmental Factors:
Most of the psychological disorders have a large association with major environmental factors or conditions. A significant, life-changing event (gain/loss), a painful past etc. can have great impact on the mind. Thus, Bipolar Disorders may occur.
Here it needs to be mentioned that Bipolar Disorder, just as any other psychological disorder, has different causes in different individuals. While for someone stress, anxiety, work pressure, dissatisfaction in professional as well as personal life may be instrumental; for someone else, the causes may be simply drug abuse, alcohol abuse or lack of sleep. Even pregnancy is a cause of Bipolar Disorder, as hormonal changes are significant during pregnancy.
Is Bipolar Curable?
Though many would want a “yes” as an answer to this question, the fact is, Bipolar Disorder is not curable. In fact, no mental disorder is! But of course, there are useful treatments for this condition that can help you to live a way better life with bipolar, with actually no difficulties to cope with the circumstances at all. The sooner one is diagnosed with this bipolar; the better is the treatment impact.
In fact, there are many patients, who have lived for years, without any symptom of Bipolar Disorder. For that one has to co-operate with the treatment provider, the psychiatrist or the psychologist. Undergoing the proper diagnosis, answering the questions asked by the doctor without withholding anything is a must for bipolar patients. The treatment steps would include –
- Taking the medicines without fail
- Getting the right amount of sleep
- Using therapies properly – these may include meditation
- Be more open to maintaining social relationships
- Let friends and family get to you, during your life-changing episodes such as a job change, divorce etc. Their help can really matter.
- Take part in discussion forums.
With all these things and the right medical therapies and psychological counselling, you will certainly have a remission of bipolar disorder. It is not impossible to stay away from encountering the Bipolar Disorder symptoms. But, you must be realistic about the results that bipolar is not curable.
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