Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms

Causes

The cause of bipolar disorder is not known. This condition tends to run in families. Specific genes may play a role. It is most likely many different genes that act together.

Risk Factors

A family history of the disorder increases your chance of developing it. Tell your doctor if you have a family member with bipolar disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Dramatic mood swings, ranging from elated excitability to hopeless despondency
• Periods of normal mood in between ups and downs
• Extreme changes in energy and behavior

Signs and symptoms of mania include:

• Persistent and inexplicable elevation in mood
• Increased energy and effort toward goal-directed activities
• Restlessness and agitation
• Racing thoughts, jumping from one idea to another
• Rapid speech or pressure to keep talking
• Trouble concentrating
• Decreased need for sleep
• Overconfidence or inflated self-esteem
• Poor judgment, often involving spending sprees and sexual indiscretions

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Prolonged sad, hopeless, or empty mood
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, and/or making decisions
• Restlessness or diminished movements
• Agitation
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Unintended weight loss or gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide with or without suicide attempts

Severe episodes of mania or depression may sometimes be associated with psychotic symptoms such as:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorders of thought