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Causes
It is becoming more and more evident that this illness is not acquired through life experience but is transmitted genetically, which explains the higher incidence of bipolar disorder in the same family. While the disorder affects 1% of adults, the incidence increases to 15% in the same family.
The influence of stress on the brain and the accumulation of stress related to existential problems may also trigger a depressive or a manic episode.
The influence of stress on the brain and the accumulation of stress related to existential problems may also trigger a depressive or a manic episode.
A few years ago, researchers discovered the influence of seasonal factors and sunshine on the outbreak of mood disorders:
- the manic phase is more frequent in the middle of summer and fall
- the depressive phase predominates in winter.
Some writers believe that behavioural disorders (hyperactivity, anorexia, bulimia, alcohol and drug addiction, some phobias) are early manifestations of affective bipolar disorder.
Some researchers have advanced the theory that the manic phase could be an antidepressive reaction developed by the individual suffering from bipolar disorder.