Bipolar Disorder

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cycling" in which the individual experiences two or more full cycles of mania and depression within a year without any intervening normal periods. Rapid cycling is relatively uncommon, but occurs more often among women than men. To receive a diagnosis of Bipolar 1, a person must experience at least one manic or mixed episode. Almost always these episodes alternate with periods of major depression. Often, though not always, the episodes may be followed by periods of normal mood. Psychotic symptoms are not uncommon, and hospitalization is often necessary. Rapid cycling may or may not be present. Bipolar 2 involves alternating periods of major depression and hypomania. The depression is often more chronic in nature, and some studies show a higher incidence of suicide in those suffering from this form of bipolar. Rapid cycling may or may not be present.
Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder, rather, many factors act together to produce the illness. Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers have been searching for specific genes, the microscopic "building blocks" of DNA inside all cells that influence how the body and mind work and grow passed down through generations that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. But genes are not the whole story. Studies of identical twins, who share all the same genes, indicate that both genes and other factors play a role in bipolar disorder. If bipolar disorder were caused entirely by genes, then the identical twin of someone with the illness would always develop the illness, and research has shown that this is not the case. But if one twin has bipolar disorder, the other twin is more likely to develop the illness than is another sibling. In addition, findings from gene research suggest that bipolar disorder, lik...