Bipolar Disorder is a medical condition that can affect men, women and children. There are no known causes of this condition, but scientists and doctors are still studying the possible factors that can contribute to its existence.

There have been findings regarding the possible triggering factors that can cause bipolar disorder. A biochemical change in the brain is one possible factor that may trigger mood and behavioral swings.

Another possible factor is heredity or genetics. There have been histories of families with bipolar disorders, which is why scientists came to a conclusion that this condition can be passed on to later generations.

Environment is yet another possible factor. Factors such as loss of a loved one, bad habits and being on the wrong crowd may have something to do with the individuals behavioral condition. Studies of siblings and twins without any family history of bipolar disorder may have changed the perceived conclusions of genetics/heredity. However, this is still yet to be confirmed through further study.

Emotional distress, health problems, family issues and self-esteem issues are just a few of the other factors that may trigger bipolar disorder.

Bipolar individuals experience two extremely opposite episodes that continuously occur. A pause or a "normal" phase can occur in between these episodes. Mania and depression are the two opposite poles of bipolar disorder; hence the earlier term for the condition called "manic depression".

A bipolar individual has the highest of highs and lowest of lows with a pause somewhere in between the vicious cycle. One moment they are happy and then suddenly they can be agitated and in rage. It is a difficult condition that affects the individual heavily because the condition itself is difficult to control.

Families and friends of bipolar individuals may encounter difficulties as well. It is tough to be with a bipolar individual because one minute they love you, the next minute they may want to hurt you, literally.

The dangers of bipolar disorder are not confined on the emotional aspects alone. The individual can inflict serious injuries to himself/herself, as well as others. They are also suicidal and often think of death during their depression episodes.

Manic episodes can be as dangerous. People with bipolar disorder may engage in lavish shopping sprees, sexual promiscuity and law-defying acts.

If bipolar disorder is not immediately treated, the individual may self-destruct due to the continuous cycle of highs and lows.

Psychiatrists will need vital information from families in order to assess the severity of the bipolar individual. Children with bipolar disorder may have a chance to live a longer "normal" life if diagnosed and treated early.

Adults with bipolar disorder still stand a chance of living a "normal" life with continuous treatment and regular visits to their doctors.

The following are characteristic behaviors of the two poles of bipolar disorder:

Mania

extreme hopefulness, happiness and excitement
abrupt switch from being happy to being angry, irritable and hostile
increased energy, restlessness and the less need for rest/sleep
talkativeness and/or rapid talking
being distracted easily and/or quite often
rapid thoughts
increased sex drive
increases impulsivity and tendencies
increased confidence that can lead to unrealistic goals, self belief, power
delusional tendencies
increased uncontrolled behaviors impulsive to lavish shopping sprees, substance and/or alcohol abuse

Depression

sadness, irritability, anxiousness
lack of energy
feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
lack of interest on things that used to be pleasurable or enjoyable
trouble concentrating
crying uncontrollably
trouble making decisions
increased need for rest/sleep
thoughts of suicide/death that can lead to suicidal tendencies
change in appetite that can lead to weight gain/loss

If the aforementioned behaviors last for more than two weeks, the individual may be suffering from bipolar disorder. It is best to take the individual to the psychiatrist at the onset of bipolar behaviors for proper assessment and diagnosis.