Can abuse cause bipolar?

Bipolar disorder, called manic depression in the past, is a disorder that results in shifts in mood, concentration, energy, and ability to function in day to day to tasks. For those with bipolar disorder, intense mood and emotional states may last for days or weeks. Mania or hypomania, an abnormally happy or irritable state, may occur and is often followed by a depressive mood. Periods of neutral mood can occur as well.

Symptoms of mania or hypomania, along with depressive episodes, are usually looked for in the diagnosis of the various types of bipolar disorder. Symptoms of mania or hypomania may include:

• Feeling abnormally upbeat or jumpy
• Increased agitation or activity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts
• An exaggerated sense of self-confidence
• Racing thoughts
• Impulsivity or poor decision making

Symptoms of depressive episodes include:

• Depressed mood, feeling sad, worthless, or hopeless
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Slowed behavior
• Restlessness
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of suicide

If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 at 1-800-273-8255.

While mood fluctuations are a totally normal phenomenon, those with bipolar disorder experience weeks or days-long mood issues and extreme corresponding behavior changes. Normal mood shifts that most people experience last for hours and aren’t accompanied by a serious behavior change.

Bipolar disorder is thought to run in families as about 80 percent of those with bipolar disorder also have a relative with depression or bipolar disorder, but this isn’t the only potential factor in developing the disorder. Genetics may play a role, but patterns of behavior are modeled within families that may contribute to the development of the disorder and may account for some of the family links.

Childhood trauma and abuse are also statistically linked with bipolar disorders. About a quarter of adults report experiencing physical abuse as children. Childhood sexual abuse is reported by one in five women and one in 13 men. In research conducted on those with severe mental disorders, childhood trauma is found at a higher rate. Childhood trauma in all its form (emotional, physical, sexual abuse) is associated with bipolar disorder.

This makes the treatment of trauma and abuse vital to long-term wellness and underscores the importance of seeking treatment for bipolar disorder from a clinician with training in trauma treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor or a licensed mental health professional to help create a successful treatment plan.