HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Bipolar Disorder
Cause
The cause of bipolar disorder is not well understood, but evidence suggests that it runs in families.Reference 2 Your living environment and family situation may also play a role. Episodes of depression and Reference mania Opens New Window may be caused by a problem with certain brain chemicals called Reference neurotransmitters Opens New Window.
Antidepressant medicines can trigger a manic episode in a person who has bipolar disorder. But this may occur before the person is diagnosed, while he or she is seeking treatment for an episode of depression.
Sleep deprivation or substance abuse, including caffeine, can cause a person with bipolar disorder to have a manic episode.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 26, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
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