Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar Disorder What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is one of the many mood disorders that are often overlooked and should not be taken lightly. It is sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression, which involves cycles of depression and mania. Sometimes the mood switches from high to low and back again. Bipolar disorder is a complex physiological and psychological disorder that can influence and manipulate a person's thoughts and actions in their daily life. Although it has yet to be found of what causes this disorder, experts however have found out that it may run in the family, as well as genetics being part of the cause. It was also founded that the environment takes part in how severe the case may be. Studies also found that if one of the child’s biological parents has bipolar disorder, the child is more than likely to have the disorder as well (Causes of Bipolar Disorder). Not only is it hereditary but causes of being diagnosed with this disorder includes “stressful life events, abrupt changes in sleep patterns, and chronic medical illnesses, can contribute to a person’s risk” (Hoos). The affect that bipolar disorder has on the brain is the malfunction of the neurotransmitters. There are three chemicals in the brain that are involved in the brain and bodily functions such as noradrenaline (norepinephrine), serotonin, and dopamine. According to studies, noradrenaline and serotonin has been found to be linked to mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression. The brain chemical Serotonin, is connected to body functions that consists of sleep, wakefulness, eating, sexual activity, impulsivity, learning and memory. Researchers found that the abnormal level of serotonin contributes to this di... ... middle of paper ... ... WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 20 May 2010. . Coon, Dennis, and John O. Mitterer. Psychology: a Journey. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2011. 487-88. Print. Hoos, Michele. "Is Bipolar Disorder Hereditary? - New Solutions to Bipolar Disorder – Health.com." Health.com: Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information. Web. 20 May 2010. . Waltz, Mitzi. "Www.patientcenters.com -- Bipolar Disorders Center -- Non-talk Therapies." Bipolar Disorders: A Guide to Helping Children and Helping Children. Bipolar Disorders: A Guide to Helping Children and A Guide to Helping and Adolescents. O'Reilly Media / Patient Centered Guides. Web. 20 May 2010. .

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