Causes+and+Risk+Factors

“Genetic factors contribute substantially to the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, and environmental factors are also implicated” (Wikipedia, 2009). There often can be a co-occurrence of “panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, binge eating disorder, or drug/alcohol abuse” (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2008) with bipolar disorder. “ There is no single, proven cause of bipolar disorder, but research suggests that it is the result of abnormalities in the way some nerve cells in the brain function or communicate. Researchers also believe that there is a definite genetic link (family history) in which there is a higher risk for people who have a parent or full sibling (i.e., a first relative) with bipolar disorder” (Canada.com, 2009). Whatever the precise nature of the cause underlying bipolar disorder, it clearly makes people with the disorder more vulnerable to emotional and physical stresses. As a result, upsetting life experiences, alcohol, illicit drug use, lack of sleep, or other stresses can trigger episodes of illness, even though these stresses do not actually cause the disorder.
 * __Causes and Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder: __** [[image:http://images.agoramedia.com/everydayhealth/gcms/photogallery_famous_people_with_bipolar_disorder_05_full.jpg width="180" height="240" align="textTop" caption="Sinéad O'Connor"]]