{"id":1606,"date":"2020-06-10T10:33:33","date_gmt":"2020-06-10T10:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blog.kayawell.com\/?p=1606"},"modified":"2025-10-08T05:11:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T05:11:00","slug":"bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention","title":{"rendered":"Bipolar Disorder-Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Bipolar Disorder<\/strong>, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may feel\nsad or hopeless when you become depressed, and lose interest or pleasure in\nmost activities. You may feel euphoric, full of energy or excessively irritable\nwhen your mood changes to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania). Sleep,\nstrength, appetite, judgment, actions and the ability to think clearly can be\ninfluenced by these mood swings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mood swings\ncan occur rarely or regularly a year. While most people between episodes will\nexperience some emotional symptoms, some may not experience any. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though\nbipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, by following a treatment plan you can\nmanage your mood swings and other symptoms. In most cases, medication and\npsychological counselling (psychotherapy) are used to treat bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Symptoms\" title=\"Symptoms\">Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#When_to_see_a_doctor\" title=\"When to see a doctor\">When to see a doctor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Causes\" title=\"Causes\">Causes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Risk_factors\" title=\"Risk factors\">Risk factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Complications\" title=\"Complications\">Complications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Prevention\" title=\"Prevention\">Prevention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms\"><\/span>Symptoms <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In bipolar\ndisorder, a fixed pattern does not accompany the dramatic cycles of high and\nlow moods. Someone may feel the same state of mood several times (depressed or\nmanic) before switching to the opposite mood. Such episodes will occur over\nweeks, months, and at times even years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How severe\nit becomes differs from person to person and can also change, becoming more or\nless severe over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of mania:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unexpectedly, he switches from cheerful to irritable, frustrated<br>and aggressive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restlessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapid speech and poor concentration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased energy and less need for sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unusually high sex drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making grand and unrealistic plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showing poor judgment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drug and alcohol abuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Becoming more impulsive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>An\nindividual with bipolar disorder may have it during depressive periods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sadness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not enjoying things they once liked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble concentrating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uncontrollable crying<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble making decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irritability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Needing more sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appetite changes that make them lose or gain weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thoughts of death or suicide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attempting suicide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_see_a_doctor\"><\/span>When to see a doctor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite\nextreme moods, people with bipolar disorder often don&#8217;t realize how much their\nemotional instability disrupts their lives and their loved ones&#8217; lives, and\ndon&#8217;t get the treatment they need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if\nyou&#8217;re like some people with bipolar disorder, you might appreciate the\nfeelings of more positive euphoria and cycles. But this euphoria is always\nfollowed by an emotional crash which can leave you depressed, worn out \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and\npossibly in financial, legal or relationship trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check with\nyour doctor or mental health professional if you have any symptoms of\ndepression or mania. Bipolar disorder is not getting any better on its own.\nSeeking care by a mental health professional that has bipolar disorder\nexperience will help you keep your symptoms under control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes\"><\/span>Causes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bipolar\ndisorder does not appear to be caused by a single cause but is more likely to\nresult from a range of interacting factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Genetic factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some studies\nhave suggested a genetic component for bipolar disorder may exist. It is more\nlikely to emerge in a person who has a family member with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Biological traits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bipolar\ndisorder patients often show physical changes in their brains, but the\ncorrelation not clear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brain-chemical\nimbalances: The imbalances in neurotransmitters appear to play a key role in\nmany mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hormonal\nproblems: Hormonal imbalances could trigger bipolar disorder, or cause it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Environmental\nfactors: Abuse, mental stress, a &#8220;significant loss&#8221; or some other\ntraumatic event may contribute to bipolar disorder or trigger it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One\npossibility is that some people with a genetic predisposition for bipolar\ndisorder may not have noticeable symptoms until an environmental factor\ntriggers a severe mood shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_factors\"><\/span>Risk factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Factors that\nmay increase the risk of bipolar disorder developing or act as a trigger for\nthe first episode include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has a first degree relative to bipolar disorder, such as a parent<br>or sibling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-stress periods, such as the death of a loved one or another<br>traumatic event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drug or alcohol abuse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications\"><\/span>Complications <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Untreated\nbipolar disorder can cause serious issues affecting every area of your life,\nsuch as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suicide or suicide attempts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal or financial problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damaged relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problems related to drug and alcohol use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor work or school performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some other\nhealth conditions can worsen bipolar disorder symptoms or make treatment less\nsuccessful. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eating disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anxiety disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical health issues, such as heart disease, thyroid problems,<br>headaches or obesity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alcohol or drug problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention\"><\/span>Prevention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s no\nsure way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting treatment at the\nearliest sign of a mental health disorder can help prevent further worsening of\nbipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have\nbeen diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor\nsymptoms from turning into full-blown mania or depression episodes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing symptoms early on will<br>avoid aggravating episodes. You may have established a trend for and what<br>causes your bipolar episodes. If you feel like you are falling into the episode<br>of depression or mania call your doctor. Involve family or friends to see for<br>warning signs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid drugs and alcohol. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can<br>worsen your symptoms and make them more likely to come back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take your medications exactly as directed. You may be tempted to<br>avoid being handled \u00e2\u20ac\u201d but don&#8217;t. Stopping your medication or reducing your dose<br>on your own can cause withdrawal effects, or may worsen or return your<br>symptoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). You may feel sad or hopeless when you become depressed, and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. You may feel euphoric, full of energy or excessively irritable when [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3958,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1118,1123],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental_health","category-mental-well_being"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}