Bipolar is a medical condition where your mood can swing from mild to severe in an instant. The majority of cases of bipolar disorder are due to genetic factors. However, there are non-genetic factors that can lead to bipolar as well.
Well, there are a number of other, non-genetic factors that can lead to bipolar disorder. One common question people have is “can trauma cause bipolar?” This article will focus on answering that question. So let’s dig in.
Can Trauma Cause Bipolar?
Yes, head injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are proven to increase the chances of being diagnosed with some type of mental illness by up to 439%.
According to statistics, most people who sustain TBI show symptoms of mental illness within a year of sustaining the injury. However, the increased risk can last up to 15 years.
Another study shows that people with TBi were 28 times more likely to be diagnosed with a bipolar disorder.
In addition to that, TBI can also worsen bipolar disorders. The severity of the impact depends on what kind of damage the brain experiences, and where the damage occurs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries are injuries to the brain caused by one or more bumps, blows or jolts to the head. It can also be caused by a penetrating head injury.
This type of brain injury is actually pretty common. Each year, around 1.7 millions of Americans sustain TBI. And around 85,000 of these people end up having long-term disabilities such as bipolar disorder.
Brain Injury Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the injury, here are some symptoms you may encounter if you suffer a traumatic brain injury:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Memory loss (mild or severe)
- Dizziness
- Sensory problems
- Change in sleep patterns
- Loss or difficulty with cognitive function
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Depression
- Coma
- Disinhibition
Traumatic Brain Injuries may heal in time. On the other hand, its effects, especially if you’ve developed a bipolar disorder, can only be managed.
Sadly, everyone is at risk of sustaining Traumatic Brain Injury. This is because they can occur anywhere, anytime.
If you have suffered an injury to the head recently, be sure to stay in touch with your doctors. They should be kept up to date about your health and can help you monitor and manage your symptoms.
More on Bipolar Disorder
This article is part of our guide to bipolar disorder treatments, symptoms, causes and more.
Check out the next topic in our guide, what is the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder?
