Conditions Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that manifests through symptoms of extreme mood swings that go from manic highs to depressive lows. Approximately 1 in 150 people develop bipolar disorder. The major risk factor is genetics. People who have families with the condition are more likely to develop it.

But sometimes it can appear due to another condition. These health conditions are often found alongside bipolar disorder and also increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder. Please read on for the bipolar condition meaning. Here are five health conditions that lead to bipolar disorder.

Anxiety disorders often overlap with bipolar disorder. It is often uncertain which one leads to the other. The research suggests that people who have anxiety disorders are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder due to shared genetic and neurological factors.

The symptoms of anxiety are the culprit in this case. Persistent worry, restlessness and panic attacks usually increase the likelihood of mood fluctuations. Before long, it triggers the onset of bipolar episodes.

Substance misuse with alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants like cocaine is very closely linked to bipolar disorder. These substances work by affecting the brain chemistry. For example, alcohol is a depressant, so it causes depressive moods. On the other hand, cocaine being a stimulant elevates the mood.

After the high, the person finds that they experience the direct opposite of what the substance does. Altogether, this increases the likelihood of manic or depressive episodes. Additionally, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol usually masks underlying mental health issues. So the bipolar disorder might go undiagnosed for a while.

Traumatic brain injuries happen due to a blow or injury to the head. A history of traumatic brain injuries usually contributes to the development of bipolar disorder. The injuries disrupt normal brain function, especially in areas that are responsible for regulating mood and behavior. People with traumatic brain injuries are more likely to experience mood instability. This then leads to bipolar disorder.

Although this is not what you would tag as a “health condition,” childhood trauma is very directly connected to mental health. The formative years of a child can change their whole life. Emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma years alter the brain development.

This trauma expresses into conditions like mood disorders like bipolar disorder. Stressful life events like a divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can also be a trigger for people who are predisposed to bipolar disorder.

IBS is a GIT condition. So, why is it here? Studies have found that it is not just a gastrointestinal condition but also a disorder. This is majorly due to the gut-brain connection. Thus, it can be linked to psychological stress and mood regulation issues. Researchers have found that people with IBS are more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

The best way to tackle Bipolar Disorder is with early detection. If the signs of bipolar disorder are found early, they can be treated more effectively. Some symptoms to look out for include;

• Dramatic mood changes
• Periods of high energy followed by extreme fatigue
• Difficulty managing emotions

The treatment of bipolar disorder often requires going to the root cause of the condition. This might mean addressing mental health and co-occurring conditions like substance use disorders. This is where NuLife Behavioral Health can help you. We bridge the gap by tackling all secondary conditions. Your pathway to recovery and well-being is assured when you get treatment with us. Get in contact today and start your journey.