Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes disruptions in a person’s mood, which can go from happy to sad to angry. There are more than 400 different mental illnesses known as disorders. But not all of them are as common as others. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world.
It is estimated that about 4.6 percent of people will have this illness at some point in their lives. It is not just common but also highly genetic. The risk of developing bipolar disorder increases with the number of family members who have the disease. This article will discuss the possible genetic causes of bipolar disorder, as well as how a diagnosis of bipolar can be established.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes disruptions in a person’s mood, which can go from happy to sad to angry. It is believed that bipolar disorder has genetic roots, meaning it could be passed down through families. A person with bipolar disorder may experience manic episodes, depressive episodes, or a combination of both.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness caused by mutations in certain genes. The cause of bipolar disorder is not always known, but it is often due to genetic changes. A person who has one parent with bipolar disorder has a ten percent chance of having the disease. But those who have two parents with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop it, as well as those who are adopted and have one biological parent with bipolar disorder.
Another potential cause of bipolar disorder is that people might be born with some genes that make them more prone to developing this condition. This would be called a vulnerability genotype. There also seems to be an association between women taking birth control pills and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder later in life. The birth control pill seems to change the way estrogen and progesterone act on the brain cells. It could also increase the risk of developing other mental illnesses, like depression or anxiety disorders.
Research on Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes mood swings, which can lead to depression or mania. Research on bipolar disorder has been going on for decades, but scientists haven’t definitively pinned down the exact biological causes of the disease.
The first study to examine the possible genetic causes of bipolar disorder was published in 1993. This study found that there was an increased risk for developing this illness if you are related to someone with bipolar disorder. Since 1993, many other studies have researched different aspects of bipolar and how they relate to genes and mental illness. Research has shown that there could be a number of genes involved in the development of bipolar disorder, not just one gene. It also doesn’t appear to be one specific gene that causes this condition; it is more likely a collection of genes interacting with each other.
Recently, scientists have started studying how genetics might play a role in determining who develops severe episodes of depression as well as manic episodes during adulthood. This research has found evidence that there is a genetic link between these two conditions and might provide clues about what causes bipolar disorder
Genetics and Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes disruptions in a person’s mood, which can go from happy to sad to angry. There are more than 400 different mental illnesses known as disorders. But not all of them are as common as others. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. It is estimated that about 4.6 percent of people will have this illness at some point in their lives.
It is not just common but also highly genetic. The risk of developing bipolar disorder increases with the number of family members who have the disease. For example, if one parent has bipolar disorder, there is a 12-18% chance their child will develop it; if both parents have it, then the risk climbs to 30-50%. Theories for why this happens include biological factors within our brain and environmental triggers such as trauma or abuse when growing up.
Research suggests that genetics may be responsible for 70-80% of cases of bipolar disorder; however, none are yet proven to be an exact cause of the disease, and they cannot predict who will develop bipolar disorder or how severe it will be. A diagnosis can only be established through clinical observation and by assessing family history, in conjunction with other possible causes such as hormonal levels or physical trauma via MRI scans.
Summing up
There are many reasons why bipolar disorder is genetic. The risk of developing the disease increases with the number of family members who have it, for example. This article has discussed three possible genetic causes and how a diagnosis of bipolar can be established.
Knoxville Recovery Center Can Help
Fortunately, help is available for those battling addiction and/or mental health issues. Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling in any stage of addiction or mental illness. KRC includes aftercare planning to help those in rehab transition.
Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a program that addresses their specific wants and needs.
Additional services provided include:
Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of addictive substances. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable.
Addiction Treatment – During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready.
Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility.
If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling and needs help, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an expert today.
