What Are The Causes
Biological
Research indicates that you are prone to bipolar disorder if someone in your family has the disorder. Chemical imbalances in the brain can also cause bipolar disorder.
Environment and Stress
Environmental factors such as undergoing a major life event or crisis and experiencing high levels of stress may precipitate a higher chance of you developing bipolar disorder.
Social
Substance abuse: Substance abuse may also cause bipolar disorder.
How It Is Treated
If you think you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, you may consult a mental health professional such as a General Practitioner or a Polyclinic Doctor.
Treatment comes in two main forms:
Psychological treatments: For persons whose conditions are more stable, it can help them with symptom recognition and management.
Medication: Medication is the main treatment option. Mood stabilisers, antidepressants, anti-psychotics and sedatives can be used in different combinations, depending on individual presentations, to treat acute episodes and to help prevent a relapse. It may take a few days to a few weeks for them to produce optimal effect.
