Causes of Pediatric Bipolar

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a serious, chronic mental illness characterized by severe and extreme shifts in mood and behavior. Bipolar disorder is extremely disruptive, as it compromises every facet of your life. According to a comprehensive study on pediatric bipolar disorder conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (2006), children and adolescents seem to be more severely affected by bipolar disorder than adults.

Genetics

• Bipolar disorder runs in families. If a parent, sibling or other close relative has bipolar disorder, your child is at a higher than normal risk for developing it.

Anxiety Disorder

• Children who have an existing anxiety disorder are at risk for developing bipolar and other mental disorders.

Abnormal Brain Function or Structure

• The NIMH study lists abnormal brain function or structure as a probable cause of bipolar disorder. Specifically, unbalanced levels of brain chemicals or malfunctioning nerve cell receptors are to blame.

Hormones

• Most cases of pediatric bipolar disorder are diagnosed in adolescents, when young bodies are changing and developing. In this respect, surging hormone levels may trigger a first manic or depressive episode.

Stress Triggers

• Traumatic life events such as parental divorce, a death in the family, severe peer rejection, sexual or physical abuse, or a stressful home environment could trigger bipolar disorder in your child.