The exact causes of bipolar affective disorder aren't known. It may be triggered by changes in the nerves or chemicals in your brain. However there may be a number of different mechanisms involved. There are some factors that may make bipolar affective disorder more likely. Having a close relative with bipolar affective disorder 1 increases your risk. If your mother, father, brother or sister has the condition, there is about a 6 in 100 chance that you will get bipolar affective disorder 1, and about a 3 in 100 chance that you will get bipolar affective disorder 2.Stressful events, eg the breakdown of a relationship or physical illness, may cause bipolar affective disorder. Chemical imbalance in your brain or having structural differences in your brain may also trigger bipolar disorder.
Attribution: BUPA
See also:
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Manic symptoms of bipolar affective disorder
- Diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder