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Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease

Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease

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Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease

Causes and Treatment of Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes big changes in mood, from

feeling low to feeling very high emotions. This illness is different from other mood problems

because of these manic and hypomanic episodes. There are different types of bipolar disorder,

from a mild form called cyclothymic disorder to more severe forms called bipolar I and II.

Bipolar I is when a person has very strong mood swings, called manic episodes, with symptoms

like feeling overly confident, talking too much, not sleeping enough, and being very irritable.

Bipolar II is when a person mainly has episodes of feeling very low but also has shorter episodes

of feeling high, defined as hypomanic episodes. It can be hard to diagnose these types of bipolar

disorder, especially in the beginning. Cyclothymic disorder is when a person has mood swings,

but they don't last as long or get as bad as the other forms of bipolar disorder. Even though the

exact cause of bipolar is not known a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological

factors play a role in the development of the disease and can be treated effectively through a

combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes

Bipolar disorder is thought to have a genetic component, as it tends to be seen in families.

Studies estimate that genetics play a role in 60-80% of bipolar cases, with Bipolar I having a

strong genetic relationship with schizophrenia and Bipolar II being closely tied to major

depression. Investigations into the genome have uncovered around 30 genetic variations
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Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease
associated with bipolar disorder, each having a limited effect. These studies have also located

specific areas of the genome that contain genes important for functions such as ion regulation,

signal transmission, neurotransmitter transportation, and brain connectivity. Certain genes have

also been discovered to be involved in insulin and endo-cannabinoid signaling, which has been

associated with bipolar disorder. (McIntyre, Roger S., et al. pp 1845). While the exact

mechanism by which these genes contribute to the development of the bipolar disorder is still

under investigation, the weight of evidence points to a strong genetic component in the cause of

this mental illness

Environmental factors like stress, substance abuse, and traumatic life events play a major

role in triggering symptoms of bipolar disorder. Stress disrupts the normal functioning of the

brain, so someone who has lost a loved one, for example, can risk getting bipolar (Rowland, &

Marwaha, pp 258). According to (Rowland & Marwaha, pp 259) 45% of people with prolonged

use of drugs and alcohol are diagnosed with bipolar due to its adverse effects on the brain

disrupting normal functioning as it induces stress and depression. Incidences of traumatic events

at a point in one’s life, for example, a car accident can affect the brain by increasing stress levels,

therefore, acting as a factor in causing bipolar disorder (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018, pp 252). As

a complex condition involving genetic and neurobiological factors, more research is needed to

fully justify the role of environmental factors in the development of the bipolar disease

Treating bipolar disorder frequently involves utilizing medication to alleviate some or all

of the symptoms. Patients may receive varying prescriptions based on the specific type and stage

of their condition. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, can aid in mood stabilization and managing

intense mania, although the onset of its effects may be delayed. Lithium, discovered in 1949 by

John Cade, remains the most established long-term treatment option for bipolar disorder.
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Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease
Evidence from a review of five trials comparing lithium to a placebo found that it decreases the

chance of manic relapse by 38% and depressive relapse by 28% (Geddes et al, pp 1674). Given

that the advantages of lithium are limited by its adverse effects and narrow therapeutic range,

further research is necessary to find a suitable alternative for long-term treatment. According to

(Geddes et al, pp1675) another class of drugs that can be used to manage bipolar disorder and

related symptoms are antipsychotics. These drugs, which come in various forms, are effective in

treating psychosis, a symptom commonly experienced by patients with bipolar

The psychosocial treatments encompass various techniques like support groups,

psychotherapy, psycho-education and, Interpersonal and Social-Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT). In

psycho-education, patients are taught to recognize symptoms, avoid relapses, and improve their

drug adherence. A study that evaluated the effectiveness of psycho-education and support groups

divided 120 patients with bipolar disorder into two groups. One group received structured

psycho-education in weekly sessions while the other received unstructured non-didactic sessions.

After two years, fewer patients in the psycho-education group (67%) had relapsed or been

hospitalized compared to the control group (92%) (Miklowitz & Johnson, pp 217). IPSRT is

typically initiated post an episode and involves strategies to regulate daily routines, resolve

interpersonal issues, and track sleep/wake cycles to prevent further episodes

According to the Pittsburgh Maintenance Therapies study in patients with acute illness,

personal psychotherapy was demonstrated to successfully regulate severe bouts of depression.

and lowering the risk of recurrence. As a supplement to medication management, the study

participants were first placed into one of two groups that received different weekly

psychotherapy treatments. The groups were randomly divided into either Interpersonal and

Social-Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) or standard clinical management for a two-year follow-up

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Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease
phase after stabilization. Results revealed that IPSRT was more effective in avoiding repeat

occurrences in the maintenance phase, particularly when the patients were successful in creating

consistent daily schedules and regulating their sleep patterns during the initial phase. (Miklowitz

& Johnson, pp 220). Although it is recommended to use mood-stabilizing medications,

psychosocial treatment plays a vital role in the overall treatment process by allowing the

individual to express their experiences and thoughts on coping with their condition.

The root source behind bipolar disorder remains a mystery, however scientists speculate

that a combination of of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors contribute to its

development. Due to the complex nature of this mental health condition whose exact cause is not

known, professional medical and therapeutic interventions are recommended for the victims. A

combination of medications like lithium is prescribed to act as antidepressants and mood-

stabilizing medications. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help

manage symptoms and prevent future manic or depressive episodes. Individuals with bipolar

disorder need to have a strong support system, including family, friends, and mental health

professionals. Self-care practices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough

sleep, can also help maintain overall mental health and stability. By providing proper treatment

and support, many individuals with bipolar disease will be able to lead fulfilling lives and

manage their symptoms.

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Causes and Treatment of Bipolar disease
REFERENCES

Geddes, John R., and David J. Miklowitz. "Treatment of bipolar disorder." The lancet 381.98

McIntyre, Roger S., et al. "Bipolar disorders." The Lancet 396.10265 (2020): 1841-1856.

Miklowitz, David J., and Sheri L. Johnson. "The psychopathology and treatment of bipolar

disorder." Annu. Rev. Clin. Psychol. 2 (2006): 199-235.78 (2013): 1672-1682.

Rowland, T. A., & Marwaha, S. (2018). Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder.

Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 8(9), 251-269.