What happens in the mind that causes bipolarism?

Question

No big scientific words, please.

Answer 1

Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder—rather, many factors act together to produce the illness.

Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers have been searching for specific genes—the microscopic "building blocks" of DNA inside all cells that influence how the body and mind work and grow—passed down through generations that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. But genes are not the whole story. Studies of identical twins, who share all the same genes, indicate that both genes and other factors play a role in bipolar disorder. If bipolar disorder were caused entirely by genes, then the identical twin of someone with the illness would always develop the illness, and research has shown that this is not the case. But if one twin has bipolar disorder, the other twin is more likely to develop the illness than is another sibling. In addition, findings from gene research suggest that bipolar disorder, like other mental illnesses, does not occur because of a single gene. It appears likely that many different genes act together, and in combination with other factors of the person or the person's environment, to cause bipolar disorder. Finding these genes, each of which contributes only a small amount toward the vulnerability to bipolar disorder, has been extremely difficult. But scientists expect that the advanced research tools now being used will lead to these discoveries and to new and better treatments for bipolar disorder.

Answer 2

There is no such word as bipolarism. Patients are said to be bipolar or have bipolar illness.

The cause of bipolar illness is unknown.
One current theory is as follows:
Genes are parts of a person's DNA that are the blueprint for making proteins.
Mitochondria are the power stations inside each cell that produce energy.
In bipolar illness the genes that make some proteins for mitochondria are mixed up. Sometimes those cells in the brain (called neurons) have too much energy as a result of the mitochondria making too much energy (Manic state) At other times the mitochondria make too little energyand the brain slows down (Depression).
Symptoms of bipolar disorder may be linked to irregular energy metabolism in the brain.

Of course the treatment of bipolar illnes is more complicated than this. It involves giving drugs that alter the passing of electrical impulses from one neuron to another.

Hope this helps, and was not too technical.

Answer 3

Neurons and Transmitters not functioning properly.
Normal picture a fist (hand) tightly closed:.the Down side of brain.
Next Picture Hand wide open finger spread: the Up side of brain.

With Bipolar the fist doesn't open properly stays shut causing depression, sadness...
The Open hand doesn't close causing hyper, anxiety...

I have what now a days, seeing that they come up with new names all the time. Is Bipolar II. Used to be called Rapid cycling Bipolar....

I've had many diagnosis - First one 15-20 years ago started with depression. But knowing my other side being able to do seven things at once - I've always had the two sided problem!

Answer 4

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), "There is no single cause for bipolar disorder—rather, many factors act together to produce the illness."

Answer 5

People have lots of chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that can become unbalanced. Sometimes it's too much of one type, sometimes it's too little of another. Scientists think that regulating this level of chemicals helps with bipolarism, but they don't know the exact cause for certain.

Answer 6

Chemical imbalance. The brain makes it's own chemicals, and Bi-polar is a result . Medication can help.

Answer 7

to many, or to few chemicals