Question: Can a series of major stress over a period of 3-4 years cause a person to become bipolar?
— Pat P.
Answer: If one has genetic predisposition, then a series of stressors can turn on the genes and induce depression, hypomania or both (mixed or dysphoric mania). Non-genetic personality factors and availability of social support also play a a significant role. In the absence of genetic predisposition, it takes a lot more stress overload to induce symptoms.
It’s analogous to the situation of high sodium diet and high blood pressure. It’s the combination of genetic predisposition plus high sodium that leads to hypertension, whereas neither alone do it.
For more info, see the blog on Jane Pauley and the overview of Bipolar Disorder.
This article originally appeared in the Q&A section 12/16/2004. Revised 01/21/2006.
2 thoughts on “Can Stress Trigger Bipolar Disorder?”
This is the second time round on Antidepressants. The first time I was on them I had trouble sleeping for the first 3 months, also felt refreshed after just 4 hours sleep. This time round I’m becoming alot more aggressive and agitated and having rages out the blue they just seem to be making me worse then better.
I’v always suffered from anxiety, I’ve not been diagnosed but I definitely have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, when I do get anxiety I get more agitated and start pacing around but at the same time feeling alot more energised and having to get things done. I was wondering if I do suffer from some sort of mild mood disorder.
Hi
Ive been just diagnosed with BP2. im 24
I get head aches alot and like migraine head aches, specially after stress full or exciting situations
Is this due to my meds or is this the nature of this illness?
I remember b4 i went on the meds, i didnt have this problem.
Specially now when i try to speak up i get fatigued out pretty quick. And when i go out with my friend to nightclubs, i cant stand the place for more than an hour.
Im thinking of reducing my meds.