Though bipolar disorder can become disabling, it is also one of the most treatable mental illnesses. The combination of medications and psychotherapy helps a vast majority of people with this illness return to happy, fulfilling lives. Although a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not been determined, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of people who suffer from this illness have relatives who have some form of depression. It is also possible that people may inherit a vulnerability to the illness, which may then be triggered by environmental factors. This imbalance may be due to irregular hormone production or to a problem with certain neurotransmitters.
Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognize and diagnose.
One reason is because of hypomania, which is an early sign of manic depression. Hypomania may cause a person to have a high level of energy, unrealistically expansive thoughts or ideas and impulsive or reckless behavior. These symptoms may feel good to the person, which may lead to denial that there is a problem. Another reason for the lack of recognition may be that bipolar disorder may appear to be symptoms of other illnesses or may occur with other problems such as substance abuse, poor school performance, or trouble in the workplace. If the person is in the midst of an episode, he or she may refuse to get help.