Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression. Genetic - A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness. Situational - Difficult life events can contribute to clinical depression. Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized by episodes of major depression and episodes of mania, with mood swings followed by periods of generally level behavior. Mania and depression may vary in duration and degree of intensity.
Symptoms can emerge at any time from infants onward.
The disorder tends to run in families and continues throughout life. Without treatment, people who have bipolar disorder often go through devastating life events, such as divorce, job loss, substance abuse and suicide. Studies suggest that the illness may be at least as common in youth as in adults. Children with bipolar disorder are at risk for school failure, substance abuse and suicide. Substance abuse often co-occurs with depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder.