Is bipolar disorder genetic, or is it influenced by environmental factors? Research suggests that genetics play a significant role, but other factors like brain structure, trauma, and life experiences can also contribute. Understanding the causes of bipolar disorder is essential for developing effective, personalized treatment plans. If you are seeking answers about bipolar disorder and its origins, exploring both genetic and environmental influences can provide valuable insight into managing symptoms and finding the right care.
If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder, donโt wait to seek help. Our team is available now to answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance. Take the first step toward healingโcall us today to get started.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that involves extreme shifts in mood, attitude, and energy. Recognizing the signs of bipolar disorder is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Prior to the publication of the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-3) in 1980, bipolar disorder was referred to as manic-depressive disorder. One reason for the name change is that not everyone who has this condition experiences both manic and depressive symptoms.
Here is a quick look at the three types of bipolar disorder, along with the symptoms that are associated with each type:
Bipolar I Disorder
To be accurately diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, a person must have manic episodes. These are weeklong periods during which they experience elevated mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, impulsivity, and similar symptoms.ย
Somone with bipolar I disorder may also have major depressive episodes, but they is not a requirement for this diagnosis.
Bipolar II Disorder
Someone with bipolar II disorder will experience both hypomanic and major depressive episodes:
- Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes, but symptoms may be somewhat less intense and only last for four days instead of a full week.
- Major depressive episodes are periods of great sadness, low motivation, diminished energy, persistent fatigue, disrupted appetite, poor self-image, and recurrent thoughts of death. These symptoms will be present most of the day, most days, for at least two consecutive weeks.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is marked by hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but neither lasts long enough to qualify as a full episode.
For a correct diagnosis, a person must experience fluctuations between hypomania and depression for at least two years. Symptoms should be present at least half the time, with no symptom-free period lasting more than two consecutive months.
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 40 million people across the globe have bipolar disorder.ย
Since bipolar disorder affects people of various nationalities, cultures, races, and ethnic backgrounds, what does this suggest about its potential causes? Is bipolar disorder genetic, or are certain external factors responsible for its development?
Research suggests that genetics play a substantial role in determining a personโs risk of developing bipolar disorder.ย For example:
- A May 2010 study in the journal Psychological Medicine estimated that heritability is a factor in 85% of cases of bipolar disorder, which was higher than the genetic influence on any other mental or behavioral health concern in that study.
- An April 2021 report in the same journal noted that studies involving twins put the heritability of bipolar disorder at 60%-90%.
- In May 2021, an international team of researchers announced that they had identified 64 regions on the human genome that can influence a personโs risk of bipolar disorder. This finding was based on a review of genetic data from more than 413,000 people, including more than 41,000 who had bipolar disorder.ย
In 2022, a research team led by experts from the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research identified a specific gene, AKAP11, that seems to have considerable influence over a personโs risk of developing bipolar disorder.ย ย
The study that generated this finding analyzed genetic information from 28,000 people. Half had bipolar disorder, and half did not. Researchers then compared data from the 14,000 participants with bipolar disorder to genetic sequences from 24,000 people with schizophrenia.
Through these analyses, researchers identified variations in AKAP11. They stated that these variations โraise disease risk several-fold, making it the strongest genetic risk factor found for bipolar disorder to date.โ
What Are Other Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder?
TWhile genetics play a major role, finding treatment for bipolar disorder also requires understanding other risk factors that contribute to its development.
According DSM-5, other risk factors for bipolar disorder include:
- Location: The rate of bipolar disorder in high-income nations (1.4%) is twice as high as in low-income countries (0.7%).
- Marital status: The prevalence of bipolar I disorder is higher among people who are separated, divorced, or widowed than among individuals who are currently married or who have never been married.
- Family history: An adultโs risk of developing bipolar disorder is 10 times higher than the average if they are related to someone who has either bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder. The risk is highest among those who have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder.ย
The Mayo Clinic also identifies elevated stress levels, traumas such as the death of a loved one, and substance abuse as factors that can also increase a personโs risk of bipolar disorder.
What Are the Best Ways to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Depending on a host of individual factors, effective treatment for bipolar disorder can occur at one or more of the following levels:
- Residential care
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
Within these programs, treatment may involve elements such as:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy and education
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic therapies
- Prescription medication
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating bipolar disorder. At Serenity Grove, we provide comprehensive assessments to understand your unique needs. Our team then creates a personalized treatment plan to help you manage symptoms and achieve lasting stability.
Understanding what treatment for bipolar disorder looks like can help individuals and families make informed decisions about care.
Find Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Georgia
If you or someone that you care about has bipolar disorder, Serenity Grove is here to for you.
Our bipolar disorder treatment center in Athens, Georgia offers a full continuum of customized treatment options, all of which are provided by compassionate professionals in a safe and highly supportive environment.
To learn more about how we can help you or your loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
