Bipolar Disorder

neurotransmitter (Bipolar disorder)

Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels are thought to play a role in depression. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that enable nerve cells (neurons) to communicate. They're released into the gaps (synapses) between nerve cells to help nerve messages flow from one cell to another. If neurons don't produce enough of these chemicals, nerve messages aren't communicated and areas of your brain may not receive stimulation. Alterations in neurotransmission in areas of the brain that control mood and emotion may result in depression.

Causes (bipolar disorder)

Doctors and researchers don't know exactly what causes bipolar disorder. But a variety of biologic, genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering episodes of this illness.
Evidence indicates that differences in the chemical messengers between nerve cells in the brain (neurotransmitters) occur in people who have bipolar disorder. In many cases, people with a bipolar disorder may have a genetic disposition for the disorder. The abnormality may be in genes that regulate neurotransmitters. However, not everyone with a family member who has bipolar disorder will develop the disease.
Factors that may contribute to or trigger episodes of bipolar disorder include drug abuse and stressful or psychologically traumatic events.

Signs and symptoms (Bipolar disorder)

Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the associated signs and symptoms varies. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition, and there may be periods of normal behavior.

Manic phase

For many people, signs and symptoms in the manic phase may include:

• Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
• Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
• Poor judgment
• Recklessness or taking chances not normally taken
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tendency to be easily distracted
• Inability to concentrate
• Aggressive behavior

Depressive phase

In the depressive phase, signs and symptoms include:
• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
• Disturbances in sleep and appetite
• Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
• Problems concentrating
• Irritability
• Chronic pain without a known cause
• Recurring thoughts of suicide
by Mayo Clinic