Friday, October, 23, 2009

Is Bipolar Disease Genetic

Health Encyclopedia: Causes Of Bipolar Disorder

Causes

No single cause may ever be found for bipolar disorder. Instead, a combination of biologic, genetic, and environmental factors appears to trigger and perpetuate the chemical imbalances in the brain that shape this complex disorder. Biologic factors observed or considered in bipolar disorder, as detected by use of imaging scans and other tests, include:

Oversecretion of cortisol, a stress hormone
Excessive influx of calcium into brain cells
Abnormal hyperactivity in parts of the brain associat...

View all »

Expert & Community Posts

What is the Likelihood that My Children Will Develop Bipolar Disorder?

By Dan Haupt, M.D. , Health Expert

...couple of family members who were never diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but who definitely... Read more »

Did using street drugs give me bipolar disorder?

By Dan Haupt, M.D. , Health Expert

...evidence to suggest that using street drugs can cause bipolar disorder in someone who would have... Read more »

Is It Bipolar? Or Is It Something Else?

By John McManamy , Health Expert

You may have noticed an "Ask" feature here at BipolarConnect. A recent sampling:"Do all bipolar... Read more »

Genetic Breakthrough for Bipolar Disorder

By Jerry Kennard , Health Expert

...the United States have located two genes linked to bipolar disorder. Professor Nick Craddock,... Read more »

Bipolar Thought Deficits: What We Can Learn From Schizophrenia Research

By John McManamy , Health Expert

A few weeks ago, in the Ask feature here at BipolarConnect, Nathan wrote:"Is bipolar the same as... Read more »

Go to Posts »

Health Guide

Bipolar Depression: What are the risk factors and causes of bipolar disorder?

Genetic or hereditary factors contribute to the risk of bipolar disorder. Studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of bipolar disorder is higher among the parents of bipolar patients. However,... Read more »

Bipolar Disorder Overview

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is characterized by moods that swing between two opposite poles:Periods of mania with exaggerated euphoria, irritability, or bothEpisodes of... Read more »

Bipolar Disorder Risk Factors

Between 1 - 2 million Americans are thought to suffer from bipolar disorder. Estimates of the lifetime risk for the disorder run are about 1.25%. There is some indication that the... Read more »

Bipolar Disorder Prognosis

PrognosisMedical evidence has shown that patients with bipolar disorder have higher death rates from suicide, heart problems, and death from all causes than those in the general population. Patients... Read more »

Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is more common than previously thought, but this illness, particularly bipolar disorder II, is still poorly recognized in the family-practice setting. It is estimated that... Read more »

Images

Bipolar disorder

Related News

Breast Cancer Drug Beats Bipolar Disorder

November 09, 2007

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A drug more commonly associated with breast cancer treatment is holding out new promise for people suffering through the manic... Read summary »

Online database hopes to speed bipolar research

October 03, 2008

A free public online database may help speed efforts to identify genes associated with bipolar disorder. The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers... Read summary »

Antipsychotic Drug Causes Weight Gain

February 22, 2007

By Lucy Williams, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Some patients undergoing treatment for mental illness gain so... Read summary »

Alzheimer's Advance

May 05, 2008

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Music is always on to keep the mood up at Joe and Palmina Beato's house. Palmina has Alzheimer's and is... Read summary »

Study: Test for Off-Label Use

November 27, 2008

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A panel of government and health-industry experts has developed a list of 14 widely prescribed medications they say urgently... Read summary »

Go to News »

Note: All clinical content on this site is physician-reviewed, except material generated by our community members.

Non-Profit Affiliates:

Featuring Content From:

By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on BipolarConnect.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2005-2009. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.