The exact cause of Bipolar disorder remains unknown, but tests have determined that the following factors may play a role:
- Biological differences: People with bipolar disorder tend to have differences in their brains. Specifically, recent research suggests that the limbic system, which includes the hippocampus, amygalda, and cingulate gyrus, is different in bipolar patients. This is the part of the brain that controls emotion, motivation memory and fear.
- Neurotransmitters: People with bipolar disorder often tend to have an imbalance of neurotransmitters. This causes a disruption in the communication of nerve cells.
- Inherited traits: Since bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first degree relative with the disorder, researchers believe there could be a genetic component to the disorder. Scientists believe there might be a gene that makes people more susceptible to developing bipolar disorder. They don't however believe that a gene automatically causes bipolar disorders.