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Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Several studies to determine the possible causes of bipolar disorder have revealed that many factors act together to produce the illness. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so scientists have been searching for specific genes that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. But genes are not the only factor that predisposes a person to bipolar disorder. Studies of identical twins, indicate that several factors play a role in bipolar disorder. Researchers found that both identical twins do not always develop the illness, but if one twin has bipolar disorder, the other is more likely to develop the illness than another sibling.
Gene research also suggests that bipolar disorder does not occur because of a single gene. It appears that bipolar disorder could be caused by many different genes acting in combination with other factors in the environment. However, it has been extremely difficult to find these genes, but scientists expect that advanced research tools now being used will lead to discoveries of new and better treatments for bipolar disorder.
Studying a psychology degree online provides more background into the causes and effects of bipolar disorder. Another reference is this article by the Mayo Clinic.
 Brain-imaging Research
Through brain-imaging research, scientists are beginning to understand what happens in the brain of sufferers of many mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. Using new brain-imaging techniques, pictures of the functioning, living brain's structure can be taken, to examine the brain's structure and activity without surgical intervention and other invasive procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are some of these brain-imaging techniques.
Recent evidence from imaging studies has indicated that the brains of people with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of healthy persons. As scientists identify the differences more clearly, they will gain a better understanding of the underlying causes of bipolar disorder, and eventually may be able to suggest more effective treatment.
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