Have you ever wondered why some children show hallmark traits of bipolar disorder? If so, you join many others in your curiosity. Quick research, on the Internet or even with your physician, can provide you with invalid information that does little to help. Adding fuel to the fire, it seems like everyone has an opinion on why this is happening. It is difficult for the layperson to sift through all of this information to determine what has been validated. One piece of valid information showed that children with bipolar disorder have a cellular difference in the brain. This study was published in 2000 in the American Journal of Psychiatry. It is thought that the additional cells in two regions of their brains may cause overwhelming thoughts and feelings with induce the traits of bipolar disorder.
The Cause of the Disorder?
Has anyone found the real cause of bipolar disorder in children? While we wish we could say that a single factor was the source, the answer is not that easy to come by. Many scientists think that this mental disease is caused by a number of factors, all working in unison. These factors can be divided into two groups: biological causes and psychological causes. In short, bipolar disorder in children is caused by both physical and outsider, environmental influences.
Genetic Influence
Do kids inherit bipolar condition from their blood relatives? Research has shown that in cases of multiple, twin and adoption situations, kids have a greater tendency of inheriting mood imbalances if they have family members with histories of bipolar condition. With twins, research found that when one twin has the condition, the other twin has a 300% greater chance of having it also.
Neurotransmitters - Gone Wrong
But what features are inherited? The Neurotransmitter system--the information network of the brain--has unfortunately received a lot of attention as the possible cause of bipolar disorder in both children and adults. Scientists have known for some time that mood disorders and neurotransmitters are linked. Indeed, using medications that target and change these transmitters are able to relieve bipolar symptoms.
Stress and its Triggers
All mental, environmental and emotional issues, having a stressful life are thought to be the main reason bipolar disorder occurs. Stress can range from the death of a loved one, losing your only source of income divorce and moving to a new place. These stress can be anything and clear cut, because what may be one person's piece of cake may be another person's misery.
Adding all together
The "Diathesis-Stress Model" is an explanation for symptoms of bipolar in children, and it may be the best explanation ever. Diathesis here means that a person is more vulnerable to some diseases, and he/she may inherit some physical problems, whether those physical problems will appear depends on the stress in his/her life. If you want to know more about symptoms of bipolar in children, you can visit this site knowingbipolardisorder.com.
More Information:
Ken P Doyle is an advocate for bipolar disorder and has a wealth of information on mental illness. As an advocate he is willing to share some FREE information and data on Symptoms of bipolar
Symptoms of bipolar and
bipolar in children.