Causes of Bipolar disorder
List of causes of Bipolar disorder
Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions
(see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Bipolar disorder)
that could possibly cause Bipolar disorder includes:
- People with an immediate family member with bipolar disorder are at higher risk
- Genetic factors
- Environmental influence
- Childhood precursors
- Life events and experiences
Bipolar disorder Causes: Book Excerpts
Bipolar disorder as a complication of other conditions:
Other conditions that might have
Bipolar disorder as a complication may,
potentially, be an underlying cause of Bipolar disorder.
Our database lists the following as having
Bipolar disorder as a complication of that condition:
Bipolar disorder as a symptom:
Conditions listing Bipolar disorder
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Bipolar disorder.
Our database lists the following as having
Bipolar disorder as a symptom of that condition:
What causes Bipolar disorder?
Article excerpts about the
causes of Bipolar disorder:
Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder
through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is
no single cause for bipolar disorder—rather, many factors act together to
produce the illness.
Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers have
been searching for specific genes—the microscopic "building blocks" of DNA
inside all cells that influence how the body and mind work and grow—passed
down through generations that may increase a person's chance of developing
the illness. But genes are not the whole story. Studies of identical
twins, who share all the same genes, indicate that both genes and other
factors play a role in bipolar disorder. If bipolar disorder were caused
entirely by genes, then the identical twin of someone with the illness
would always develop the illness, and research has shown that this
is not the case. But if one twin has bipolar disorder, the other twin is
more likely to develop the illness than is another sibling.7
In addition, findings from gene research suggest that bipolar disorder,
like other mental illnesses, does not occur because of a single
gene.8
It appears likely that many different genes act together, and in
combination with other factors of the person or the person's environment,
to cause bipolar disorder. Finding these genes, each of which contributes
only a small amount toward the vulnerability to bipolar disorder, has been
extremely difficult. But scientists expect that the advanced research
tools now being used will lead to these discoveries and to new and better
treatments for bipolar disorder.
Brain-imaging studies are helping scientists learn what goes wrong in
the brain to produce bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.9 ,10 New
brain-imaging techniques allow researchers to take pictures of the living
brain at work, to examine its structure and activity, without the need for
surgery or other invasive procedures. These techniques include magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). There is evidence from
imaging studies that the brains of people with bipolar disorder may differ
from the brains of healthy individuals. As the differences are more
clearly identified and defined through research, scientists will gain a
better understanding of the underlying causes of the illness, and
eventually may be able to predict which types of treatment will work most
effectively.
(Source: excerpt from Bipolar Disorder: NIMH)
Medical news summaries relating to Bipolar disorder:
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Bipolar disorder:
Related information on causes of Bipolar disorder:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Bipolar disorder may be found in:
Causes of Bipolar disorder: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Bipolar disorder.
Depression:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Organic disorders
Various organic disorders and chronic illnesses produce mild, moderate, or severe depression. Among these are metabolic and endocrine disorders,such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes; infectious diseases, such as influenza, hepatitis, and encephalitis; degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and multi-infarct dementia; and neoplastic disorderssuch as cancer.
Psychiatric disorders
Affective disordersare typically characterized by abrupt mood swings from depression to elation (mania) or by prolonged episodes of either mood. In fact, severe depression may last for weeks. More moderate depression occurs in cyclothymic disordersand usually alternates with moderate mania. Moderate depression that's more or less constant over a 2-year period typically results from dysthymic disorders. Also, chronic anxiety disorders,such as panic and obsessive-compulsive disorder, may be accompanied by depression.
Other causes
Alcohol abuse
Long-term alcohol use, intoxication, or withdrawal commonly produces depression.
Drugs.
Various drugs cause depression as an adverse effect. Among the more common are barbiturates; chemotherapeutic drugs, such as asparaginase; anticonvulsants, such as diazepam; and antiarrhythmics, such as disopyramide. Other depression-inducing drugs include centrally acting antihypertensives, such as reserpine (common in high dosages), methyldopa, and clonidine; beta-adrenergic blockers, such as propranolol; levodopa; indomethacin; cycloserine; corticosteroids; and hormonal contraceptives.
Postpartum period.
Although the cause hasn't been proved, depression occurs in about 1 in every 2,000 to 3,000 pregnancies and is characterized by various symptoms. Symptoms range from mild postpartum blues to an intense, suicidal, depressive psychosis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Fontanel depression:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Dehydration
With mild dehydration (5% weight loss), the anterior fontanel appears slightly depressed. The infant has pale, dry skin and mucous membranes; decreased urine output; a normal or slightly elevated pulse rate; and, possibly, irritability
Moderate dehydration (10% weight loss) causes slightly more pronounced fontanel depression, along with gray skin with poor turgor, dry mucous membranes, decreased tears, and decreased urine output. The infant has normal or decreased blood pressure, an increased pulse rate and, possibly, lethargy.
Severe dehydration (15%or greater weight loss) may result in a markedly sunken fontanel, along with extremely poor skin turgor, parched mucous membranes, marked oliguria or anuria, lethargy, and signs of shock, such as a rapid, thready pulse; very low blood pressure; and obtundation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Bipolar disorders:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The cause of bipolar disorder is unclear, but hereditary, biological, and psychological factors may play a part. For example, the incidence of bipolar disorder among relatives of affected patients is higher than in the general population and highest among maternal relatives. The closer the relationship, the greater the susceptibility. Children with one affected parent have a 25% chance of developing bipolar disorder; children with two affected parents, a 50% chance. The incidence of this illness in siblings is 20% to 25%; in identical twins, the incidence is 66% to 96%.
Although certain biochemical changes accompany mood swings, it isn’t clear whether these changes cause the mood swings or result from them. In mania and depression, intracellular sodium concentration increases during illness and returns to normal with recovery.
Patients with mood disorders have a defect in the way the brain handles certain neurotransmitters — chemical messengers that shuttle nerve impulses between neurons. Low levels of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, for example, have been linked to depression, whereas excessively high levels of these chemicals are associated with mania.
Changes in the concentration of acetylcholine and serotonin may also play a role. Although neurobiologists have yet to prove that these chemical shifts cause bipolar disorder, it’s widely assumed that most antidepressant medications work by modifying these neurotransmitter systems.
New data suggest that changes in the circadian rhythms that control hormone secretion, body temperature, and appetite may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
Emotional or physical trauma, such as bereavement, disruption of an important relationship, or a serious accidental injury, may precede the onset of bipolar disorder; however, bipolar disorder commonly appears without identifiable predisposing factors.
Manic episodes may follow a stressful event, but they’re also associated with antidepressant therapy and childbirth. Major depressive episodes may be precipitated by chronic physical illness, psychoactive drug dependence, psychosocial stressors, and childbirth. Other familial influences, especially the early loss of a parent, parental depression, incest, or abuse, may predispose a person to depressive illness. (See Cyclothymic disorder.)
The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 0.4% to 1.2% of adults experience bipolar disorder. This disorder affects women and men equally and is more common in higher socioeconomic groups. It can begin any time after adolescence, but onset usually occurs between ages 20 and 35; about 35% of patients experience onset between ages 35 and 60. Before the onset of overt symptoms, many patients with bipolar disorder have an energetic and outgoing personality with a history of wide mood swings.
Bipolar disorder recurs in 80% of patients; as they grow older, the episodes recur more frequently and last longer. This illness is associated with a significant mortality; 20% of patients commit suicide, many just as the depression lifts.
ELDER TIP The older adult at highest risk for suicide is at least age 85, is depressed, has high self-esteem, and needs to control his own life. Even a frail nursing home resident with these characteristics may have the strength to kill himself.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Major depression:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The multiple causes of depression aren’t completely understood. Current research suggests possible genetic, familial, biochemical, physical, psychological, and social causes. Psychological causes (the focus of many nursing interventions) may include feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, anger, hopelessness and pessimism, and low self-esteem. They may be related to abnormal character and behavior patterns and troubled personal relationships. In many cases, the history identifies a specific personal loss or severe stressor that probably interacts with the person’s predisposition to provoke major depression.
Depression may be secondary to a specific medical condition — for example, metabolic disturbances, such as hypoxia and hypercalcemia; endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome; neurologic diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases; cancer (especially of the pancreas); viral and bacterial infections, such as influenza and pneumonia; cardiovascular disorders, such as heart failure; pulmonary disorders, such as chronic obstructive lung disease; musculoskeletal disorders, such as degenerative arthritis; GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome; genitourinary problems, such as incontinence; collagen vascular diseases, such as lupus; and anemias.
Drugs prescribed for medical and psychiatric conditions as well as many commonly abused substances can also cause depression. Examples include antihypertensives, psychotropics, opioid and nonopioid analgesics, antiparkinsonian drugs, numerous cardiovascular medications, oral antidiabetics, antimicrobials, steroids, chemotherapeutic agents, cimetidine, and alcohol. Depression occurs in up to 18 million Americans, affecting all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It affects both sexes, but is more common in women.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Depression:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Organic disorders
Various organic disorders and chronic illnesses produce mild, moderate, or severe depression. Among these are metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes; infectious diseases, such as influenza, hepatitis, and encephalitis; degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and multi-infarct dementia; and neoplastic disorders such as cancer.
Psychiatric disorders
Affective disorders are typically characterized by abrupt mood swings from depression to elation (mania) or by prolonged episodes of either mood. In fact, severe depression may last for weeks. More moderate depression occurs in cyclothymic disorders and usually alternates with moderate mania. Moderate depression that’s more or less constant over a 2-year period typically results from dysthymic disorders. Also, chronic anxiety disorders, such as panic and obsessive-compulsive disorder, may be accompanied by depression.
Other causes
Alcohol abuse
Long-term alcohol use, intoxication, or withdrawal commonly produces depression.
Drugs
Various drugs cause depression as an adverse effect. Among the more common are barbiturates, chemotherapeutic drugs such as asparaginase, anticonvulsants such as diazepam, and antiarrhythmics such as disopyramide. Other depression-inducing drugs include centrally acting antihypertensives, such as reserpine (common with high doses), methyldopa, and clonidine; beta-adrenergic blockers such as propranolol; levodopa; indomethacin; cycloserine; corticosteroids; and hormonal contraceptives.
Postpartum period
Although its cause hasn’t been determined, postpartum depression occurs in about 1 in every 2,000 to 3,000 women who have given birth. Symptoms range from mild postpartum blues to an intense, suicidal, depressive psychosis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Fontanel depression:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Dehydration
In mild dehydration (5% weight loss), the anterior fontanel appears slightly depressed. Other findings include pale, dry skin and mucous membranes; decreased urine output; a normal or slightly elevated pulse rate; and possibly irritability.
Moderate dehydration (10% weight loss) causes slightly more pronounced fontanel depression along with gray skin with poor turgor, dry mucous membranes, decreased tears, and decreased urine output. The infant has normal or decreased blood pressure and an increased pulse rate; he may also be lethargic.
Severe dehydration (15% or greater weight loss) may result in a markedly sunken fontanel along with extremely poor skin turgor, parched mucous membranes, marked oliguria or anuria, lethargy, and signs of shock, such as rapid, thready pulse, very low blood pressure, and obtundation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Depression:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Dysthymia
❑ Major depression
❑ Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
❑ Seasonal affective disorder
❑ Bipolar disorder
❑ Drug-induced
❑ Grief
❑ Thyroid disease
❑ Dementia
❑ Stroke
❑ Paraneoplastic
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Bipolar disorders:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
The origins of bipolar disorder are unclear, but hereditary, biological, and psychological factors may play a part.
Hereditary factors
The incidence of bipolar disorder among relatives of affected patients is higher than in the general population and highest among maternal relatives. The closer the relationship, the greater the susceptibility.
Biological factors
Although certain biochemical changes accompany mood swings, it’s unclear whether these changes cause the mood swings or result from them. With both mania and depression, intracellular sodium concentration increases during illness and returns to normal with recovery.
Patients with mood disorders have a defect in the way the brain handles certain neurotransmitters — chemical messengers that shuttle nerve impulses between neurons. Low levels of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, for example, have been linked to depression, whereas excessively high levels of these chemicals are associated with mania.
Changes in the concentration of acetylcholine and serotonin also may play a role. Although neurobiologists have yet to prove that these chemical shifts cause bipolar disorder, it’s widely assumed that most antidepressants work by modifying these neurotransmitter systems.
New data suggest that changes in the circadian rhythms that control hormone secretion, body temperature, and appetite may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
Emotional and physical factors
Emotional or physical trauma, such as bereavement, disruption of an important relationship, or a serious accidental injury, may precede the onset of bipolar disorder; however, bipolar disorder often appears without identifiable predisposing factors.
Manic episodes may follow a stressful event, but they’re also associated with antidepressant therapy and childbirth. Major depressive episodes may be precipitated by chronic physical illness, psychoactive drug dependence, psychosocial stressors, and childbirth. Other familial influences — especially the early loss of a parent, parental depression, incest, or abuse — may predispose a person to depressive illness.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Depression, major:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
The multiple causes of depression aren’t completely understood. Current research suggests possible genetic, familial, biochemical, physical, psychological, and social causes.
Psychological factors
Such causes may include feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, anger, hopelessness and pessimism, and low self-esteem; they may be related to abnormal character and behavior patterns and troubled personal relationships.
In many patients, the history identifies a specific personal loss or severe stressor that probably interacts with the person’s predisposition to provoke major depression.
Medical conditions
Depression may be secondary to a specific medical condition — for example, metabolic disturbances, such as hypoxia and hypercalcemia; endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease; neurologic diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease; and cancer, especially of the pancreas.
Other medical conditions that may underlie depression include viral and bacterial infections, such as influenza and pneumonia; cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure; pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative arthritis; GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome; genitourinary problems such as incontinence; collagen vascular diseases such as lupus; and anemias.
Drugs
Drugs prescribed for medical and psychiatric conditions as well as many commonly abused substances, can also cause depression. Examples include antihypertensives, psychotropics, narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesics, antiparkinsonian drugs, numerous cardiovascular medications, oral antidiabetics, antimicrobials, steroids, chemotherapeutic agents, cimetidine, and alcohol.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Fontanel depression:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Dehydration.With mild dehydration (5% weight loss), the anterior fontanel appears slightly depressed. The infant has pale, dry skin and mucous membranes; decreased urine output; a normal or slightly elevated pulse rate; and, possibly, irritability.
Moderate dehydration (10% weight loss) causes slightly more pronounced fontanel depression, along with gray skin with poor turgor, dry mucous membranes, decreased tears, and decreased urine output. The infant has normal or decreased blood pressure, an increased pulse rate and, possibly, lethargy.
Severe dehydration (15% or greater weight loss) may result in a markedly sunken fontanel, along with extremely poor skin turgor, parched mucous membranes, marked oliguria or anuria, lethargy, and signs of shock, such as a rapid, thready pulse; very low blood pressure; and obtundation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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