there is no single factor doctors can point to as the cause of bipolar disorder. however one theory suggests an underlying defect in brain chemistry which may be exacerbated by environmental or lifestyle factors such as drug or alcohol abuse. stress may also play a role and in women hormonal fluctuations may exacerbate symptoms. in janauary 2006 two scottish researchers isolated a gene that doubles the risk of developing bipolar disorder furthering the theory that there is a genetic predisposition to this disease.
what causes bipolar disorder?