Biopoler Disorder

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND BEST TREATMENTS FOR BIPOLAR DISEASES
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy,
and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states
that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These
mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy or irritable mood)
or depressive (sad mood).
Causes of disorder Treatments
Genetics: There is a genetic component to bipolar disorder. If an individual has one

first-degree relative with bipolar disorder, studies suggest a 15% to 30% lifetime risk of
developing bipolar affective disorder, a percentage that increases to 75% for those with two
first-degree relatives with the disorder[2]. However, more research is needed into the role
genetics plays in developing this condition.
Trauma: Experiencing severe stress or traumatic events in childhood may increase

the chances of an individual developing bipolar disorder later in life. These events might
include losing a parent or caregiver or experiencing abuse or neglect.
Brain formation: Research suggests that people with bipolar disorder may have slight,
though key, differences in how their brains are structured. These changes may increase their
risk for the condition.
Chemical imbalances: Bipolar disorder is thought to occur when your body struggles
to produce and breakdown certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as adrenaline,
dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), as well as
certain hormones. Brain-imaging studies suggest that structural changes can be seen in the
brains of people with bipolar disorder.
Drugs Substances: Frequent drug use causes physical changes in the brain. The
most obvious change is to the brain’s reward system, which makes using drugs feel
pleasurable. However, changes in the brain’s reward system lead to compulsive and drug-
seeking behaviour. Drugs can rewire other parts of the brain that affect mood and
behaviour. Drug abuse and addiction can cause changes in the brain
Bipolar disorder Treatments
Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of
bipolar disorder. An effective treatment plan usually includes a combination of medication
and psychotherapy, also called talk therapy.
Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Some people may need to try several different medications and work with their health care
provider before finding medications that work best. The most common types of medications
that doctors prescribe include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Mood stabilizers
such as lithium or valproate can help prevent mood episodes or reduce their severity.
Lithium also can decrease the risk of suicide. Medications that target sleep or anxiety are
sometimes added to mood stabilizers as part of a treatment plan. While bipolar depression
is often treated with antidepressant medication, a mood stabilizer must be taken as well, as
an antidepressant alone can trigger a manic episode or rapid cycling in a person with bipolar
disorder. Because people with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are
depressed than when they are experiencing mania or hypomania, taking a careful medical
history is essential to ensure that bipolar disorder is not mistaken for depression. People
taking medication should avoid stopping a medication without talking to a health care
provider. Suddenly stopping a medication may lead to a “rebound” or worsening of bipolar
disorder symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can be an effective part of

the treatment plan for people with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of
treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions,
thoughts, and behaviours. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with
bipolar disorder and their families.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an important treatment for depression, and
CBT adapted for the treatment of insomnia can be especially helpful as a component of the
treatment of bipolar depression. Treatment may also include newer therapies designed
specifically for the treatment of bipolar disorder, including interpersonal and social rhythm
therapy (IPSRT) and family-focused therapy. Determining whether intensive
psychotherapeutic intervention at the earliest stages of bipolar disorder can prevent or limit
its full-blown onset is an important area of ongoing research.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a brain stimulation procedure that can help

relieve severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. ECT is usually only considered if an individual’s
illness has not improved after other treatments such as medication or psychotherapy, or in
cases that require rapid response, such as with suicide risk or catatonia (a state of
unresponsiveness).
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a type of brain stimulation that uses

magnetic waves, rather than the electrical stimulus of ECT, to relieve depression over a
series of treatment sessions. Although not as powerful as ECT, TMS does not require general
anaesthesia and presents little risk of memory or adverse cognitive effects. Light therapy is
the best evidence-based treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and many people
with bipolar disorder experience seasonal worsening of depression in the winter, in some
cases to the point of SAD. Light therapy could also be considered for lesser forms of
seasonal worsening of bipolar depression.

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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND BEST TREATMENTS FOR BIPOLAR DISEASES

Causes of disorder Treatments

Genetics: There is a genetic component to bipolar disorder. If an individual has one

Trauma: Experiencing severe stress or traumatic events in childhood may increase

Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can be an effective part of

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a brain stimulation procedure that can help

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a type of brain stimulation that uses

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