Bipolar disorderWhat is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is one of many often overlooked mood disorders and should not be taken lightly. It is sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic depression, which involves cycles of depression and mania. Sometimes the mood shifts from high to low and vice versa. Bipolar disorder is a complex physiological and psychological disorder that can influence and manipulate a person's thoughts and actions in their daily life. Although the causes of this disorder have not yet been discovered, experts have discovered that it can be hereditary. as well as genetics being partly responsible. It has also been established that the environment plays a role in the severity of the case. Studies have also found that if one of the child's biological parents suffers from bipolar disorder, the child is more than likely to suffer from it as well (Causes of Bipolar Disorder). Not only is it hereditary, but causes for diagnosing this disorder include "stressful life events, abrupt changes in sleep patterns, and chronic illnesses that can contribute to a person's risk" (Hoos). The effect of bipolar disorder on the brain is neurotransmitter dysfunction. There are three chemicals in the brain that are involved in brain and body functions, such as norepinephrine (norepinephrine), serotonin, and dopamine. According to studies, norepinephrine and serotonin are linked to mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression. Serotonin, a brain chemical, is linked to bodily functions that include sleeping, waking, eating, sexual activity, impulsivity, learning and memory. Researchers have found that abnormal serotonin levels contribute to this di...... middle of paper ...... WebMD - Better Information. Better health. Internet. May 20, 2010..Coon, Dennis and John O. Mitterer. Psychology: a journey. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2011. 487-88. Print.Hoos, Michele. “Is bipolar disorder hereditary? – New solutions to bipolar disorder –Health.com.” Health.com: health news, wellness and medical information. Internet. May 20, 2010. .Waltz, Mitzi. “Www.patientcenters.com – Bipolar Disorder Center – Wordless Therapies.” Bipolar Disorder: A Guide to Helping Children and Helping Children. Bipolar Disorder: A Guide to Helping Children and a Guide to Helping Adolescents. O'Reilly Media / Patient-Centered Guides. Internet. May 20 2010. .