| Bipolar Disorder |
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Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder which used to be called manic depression,
involves exaggerated mood upswings or 'highs'
alternating with the low mood of depression. These
'highs' are called mania. Some people have
frequent manic episodes while others have only a
few and mainly feel depressed.
How common is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder affects 1-2% of the population.
Men and women are equally affected. The peak age
for diagnosis is the late teens and twenties. Winston
Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Vincent van Gogh
are believed to have had bipolar depression.
What causes Bipolar Disorder?
As with other depressive illnesses, the exact
causes of bipolar disorder are uncertain. Possible
factors include:
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Genetic
inheritance. About 70-80% of people
with bipolar disorder have a close relative
who also has the illness. |
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Brain
chemistry. As with other depressive
illnesses, an imbalance of neurotransmitters
in the brain is thought to be associated with
manic depression. |
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Malfunctioning
body clock. All biological functions
have a daily pattern called the circadian
rhythm. People with bipolar disorder have
disturbed circadian rhythms (such as not knowing
the 'right' time to sleep or eat). The time
of the year also seems to have an effect,
as mania is more common in summer and depression
more likely in winter. Disruption of normal
rhythms or routines, such as shift work, jet
lag or disrupted sleep may also trigger episodes
of the illness. |
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Psychological
factors. Stressful events and emotions
appear to 'push' some people into episodes
if they are already susceptible. |
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Other
illnesses, medicines and drugs. Some
medicines can cause mania, including antidepressants
and steroids (cortisone or prednisone), as
well as some illicit drugs such as cocaine
and amphetamines. |
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