Does Alcohol Or Drug Abuse Cause Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder marked by alternating periods of elation and depression. Bipolar disorder often runs in families and there appears to be a genetic part to this mood disorder. Environment and lifestyle issues have an effect on the disorders severity. Alcohol or drug abuse can make bipolar disorders more difficult to treat. Experts believe bipolar disorder is partly caused by an underlying problem with specific brain circuits and the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Three brain chemicals noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine are involved in both brain and bodily functions. Noradrenaline and serotonin have been consistently liked to psychiatric mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. The brain chemical serotonin is connected to many body functions such as wakefulness, sleep, sexual activity, eating, impulsivity, learning and memory. Researchers believe that abnormal functioning of brain circuits that involve serotonin as a chemical message contribute to depression and bipolar disorder. …show more content…
This hormone acts on the parts of the brain involved with responsiveness and fear. This neurotransmitter is released into the blood from the adrenal medulla and from nerves called adrenergic nerves. Nerve pathways within areas of the brain that regulate pleasure and emotional reward are regulated by dopamine. Disruption of circuits that communicate using dopamine in other brain areas appear connected to psychosis and schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in reality and illogical thought patterns and