Understanding Bipolar Disorder: What Causes It?

Heredity and genetics play a large role in whether or not an individual may have bipolar disorder, but usually in combination with triggering stressful life events and environmental factors. There have been many studies over the years to determine not only that Bipolar Disorder is genetic, but also which specific genetic variants play a role in how Bipolar Disorder affects an individual. Studies have confirmed that there is a genetic component that can affect Bipolar Disorder and whether or not an individual with a family history of the disorder may be at higher risk of bipolar disorder. 


If you or a loved one are looking for mental health treatment to help overcome and mitigate the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, another Mood Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Bipolar Depression, Depressive Disorder, or another psychiatric disorder don’t hesitate to reach out to our kind and compassionate admissions team today at AMFM Mental Health Treatment by calling us.

what causes bipolar

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is defined by the American Psychological Association as a “serious mental illness in which common emotions become intensely and often unpredictably magnified.”1 Bipolar disorder is often characterized by drastic mood swings from high-energy, happiness and productivity to lows of sadness, exhaustion and major depression, and the shift between these two phases can grow to be so intense that an individual may consider suicide. Studies have shown that individuals living with Bipolar Disorder are at increased risk to attempt suicide at least once in their life, by 25-60%.2

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic Episodes

In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) an individual must experience at least one manic episode. Episodes of mania are generally characterized by mood changes, increased energy levels, rapid talking, increased grandiosity, (an overinflated sense of self), distractibility (which may be misattributed or related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), engaging in impulsive or risky behavior, and more.

Hypomanic Episodes

Hypomania refers to a shorter duration of manic symptoms, with generally milder symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience at least one episode of hypomania, in addition to an episode of depression (manic depression).

Depressive Episodes

In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience both a hypomanic and a depressive episode. Depressive episodes are characterized by low moods, suicidal thoughts, or other common symptoms of depression like loss of interest, low self-esteem, fatigue, or changes in appetite. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal ideation and need immediate medical assistance, please call 911 for emergency medical attention, or 988, the National Suicide and Crisis hotline, which is available 24/7, free of cost.

Bipolar I vs Bipolar II

Bipolar I Disorder is considered the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, and is diagnosed when an individual enters a manic state, characterized by an intense mood swing “up”, consisting of high-energy, uncomfortable irritability, racing thoughts and impulsivity. While Bipolar II Disorder is also characterized by manic episodes, they may be shorter or less severe, referred to as hypomania. A person struggling with Bipolar II will experience depressive episodes, while an individual struggling with Bipolar I may or may not experience depression.

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Genetic Studies of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a complicated mental disorder, and as a result, the studies of the heritability of the mental health disorder are complex. However, a few family-based studies have identified a “number of chromosomal regions linked to bipolar disorder, and progress is currently being made in identifying positional candidate genes within those regions.”3 Bipolar I Disorder, the most severe form of the condition, exists in all of the general population worldwide. In order to thoroughly understand the mental health conditions, researchers have tried many methods to narrow down the risk of developing bipolar disorder, from segregation analyses and adoption studies, to twin studies. Consistently though, the results have been clear that genetic factors play an important role in determining one’s risk of developing BP-I, in addition to environmental factors.4 Nick Craddock, a leader of molecular genetic research on bipolar disorder, discovered that while “occasional families may exist in which a single gene plays a major role in determining susceptibility, the majority of bipolar disorder involves more complex genetic mechanisms such as the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors.”5 These genetic studies opened the door for many successive studies to delve further into genetic mapping and learning which genes on a molecular level might contribute to Bipolar Disorder.

Lithium and Bipolar Disorder Genetics

For over half a century, Lithium has been used as a method of psychiatry to treat bipolar disorder. However, in 2022, a cutting-edge molecular study of thousands of people delved deeper into the causes of bipolar disorder. This recent study was developed by researchers at the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in collaboration with institutes globally, “pinpoints a gene called AKAP11 as a strong genetic risk factor for both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.”6

Genetic Sequencing

The latest studies have used gene-mapping to identify 36 credible genes in the causes of bipolar disorder. Though neuroscience is increasingly complex, specific cell types have been identified in the psychological process of bipolar disorder, “including GABAergic interneurons and medium spiny neurons. Together, these analyses provide additional insights into the genetic architecture and biological underpinnings of bipolar disorder.”7 Another study “performed a genome-wide association study of 41,917 bipolar disorder cases and 371,549 controls of European ancestry, which identified 64 associated genomic loci.”8 Slowly, researchers are bringing us closer to the answers we need to truly understand this complex disorder. 

Environmental Factors and Bipolar Disorder

In addition to the mountains of evidence that prove the importance of heredity and genetics in Bipolar disorder, there are also a variety of environmental factors that have been proven to trigger the onset of bipolar disorder. For example, bipolar patients with trauma history are more likely to show rapid cycling course, psychotic features, higher number of lifetime mood episodes, and greater risk for suicide ideation and attempts.9 Childhood trauma, viral infections during pregnancy and adulthood, birth complications, major developmental disruptions, and seasonal peaks, can all play a role in the onset of bipolar disorder.

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Are You or a Loved One Struggling with Bipolar Disorder or other Mental Health Challenges?

Reaching out for help in your mental health journey can be difficult, emotional and overwhelming. With A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment, we’re with you throughout your journey, offering compassion, guidance, resources, and understanding the whole way. There are many mental health providers out there, and we want to connect you with the right fit. If you are interested, confused, or need help regarding mental health care, give AMFM a call. You or your loved one don’t have to walk through this alone.

Inpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Inpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for anxiety usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.

Outpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, intensive outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.


If you have been struggling with one or more of the anxiety symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing anxiety. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.

Types of Therapy Offered for Bipolar Disorder

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers a combination of holistic mental health services‌ and evidence-based therapies like the following:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy takes place in a one on one setting with a licensed professional, usually consisting of a combination of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies, in which a person can talk through his or her individual struggles. Individual therapy and mental health care is one of the most crucial steps for those facing mental health challenges.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”10 The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

TMS Therapy is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer for treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Family Therapy Programs

Family therapy may be used when a loved one’s mental health symptoms are affecting others. This can increase a family members’ understanding of anxiety and talk about how to support each other. Family therapy sessions and support groups can improve communication patterns, focus on problem-solving, address unresolved conflicts, and increase the sense of understanding among one another.

Psychiatric Care for Bipolar Disorder

AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides comprehensive psychiatric care, along with traditional therapeutic modalities. Our on-staff clinicians are equipped to design personalized treatment plans for your continued success. In combination with psychotherapy, psychiatric care is handled safely, to help you or your loved one overcome mental health challenges. 

Lithium

For over half a century, Lithium has been used as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder, treating both the manic episodes as well as the bipolar depression.11 However, Lithium treatment can have side effects and complications in long-term use on the kidney and thyroid, and it’s important that an individual keep his or her clinical team in the loop on any side effects as they come up.

Antidepressants and antipsychotics are both commonly used (alone and in tandem) in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder as mood stabilizers. However, rapid cycling is sometimes a side effect that is associated with antidepressant treatment in bipolar disorder.12 Conventional antipsychotics have been proven to be effective for short-term treatment of Bipolar Disorder, but there has been little research on the long-term efficacy of antipsychotics and antidepressants for BD.

Verify Your Insurance

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

What to expect

Insurance Verification:

Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:

Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

American Psychological Association. (n.d.-a). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/bipolar-disorder 

Novick DM, Swartz HA, Frank E. Suicide attempts in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Bipolar Disord. 2010 Feb;12(1):1-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00786.x. PMID: 20148862; PMCID: PMC4536929.

Escamilla MA, Zavala JM. Genetics of bipolar disorder. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(2):141-52. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.2/maescamilla. PMID: 18689285; PMCID: PMC3181866.

Craddock N, Jones I. Molecular genetics of bipolar disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2001;178(S41):s128-s133. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.41.s128

Eisenstadt, L. (2022, April 6). Broad Institute News. https://www.broadinstitute.org/. https://www.broadinstitute.org/news/researchers-find-first-strong-genetic-risk-factor-bipolar-disorder 

O’Connell, K.S., Koromina, M., van der Veen, T. et al. Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder. Nature 639, 968–975 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08468-9

Mullins N, & et al. Genome-wide association study of more than 40,000 bipolar disorder cases provides new insights into the underlying biology. Nat Genet. 2021 Jun;53(6):817-829. doi: 10.1038/s41588-021-00857-4. Epub 2021 May 17. PMID: 34002096; PMCID: PMC8192451.

Aldinger F, Schulze TG. Environmental factors, life events, and trauma in the course of bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jan;71(1):6-17. doi: 10.1111/pcn.12433. Epub 2016 Sep 21. PMID: 27500795; PMCID: PMC7167807.

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, Et. al, The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Sep;45(10):1743-1749. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2. Epub 2020 Apr 29. PMID: 32349118; PMCID: PMC7419515.

Kusumakar V. Antidepressants and antipsychotics in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63 Suppl 10:23-8. PMID: 12392350.