Bipolar disorderWhat is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is one of many mood disorders that are often overlooked and should not be taken lightly. It is sometimes called manic-depressive or manic-depressive illness, which involves cycles of depression and mania. Sometimes the mood goes 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 cause of this disorder has not yet been discovered, experts have nevertheless discovered that it may be hereditary. just as genetics are part of the cause. It has also been found that the environment affects the severity of the case. Studies have also found that if one of the child's biological parents suffers from bipolar disorder, it is more than likely that the child also has the same disorder (causes of bipolar disorder). Not only is it hereditary, but the causes for which this disorder is diagnosed include "stressful life events, sudden changes in sleep patterns, and chronic medical conditions, which may contribute to a person's risk" (Hoos). The effect that bipolar disorder has on the brain is the malfunction of neurotransmitters. 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 body functions that consist of sleep, waking, eating, sexual activity, impulsivity, learning and memory. Researchers have found that the abnormal level of serotonin contributes to this of...... middle of paper...... WebMD - Better Information. Better health. Network. May 20, 2010..Coon, Dennis and John O. Mitterer. Psychology: a journey. Belmont, California: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. Network. 20 May 2010. .Waltz, Mitzi. "Www.patientcenters.com - Center for Bipolar Disorders - Non-Talk Therapies."Bipolar Disorders: A Guide to Helping Children and Helping Children. Bipolar Disorders: A Guide to Helping Children and a Guide to Helping Teens. O'Reilly Media/Patient-Centered Guides. Network. May 20 2010. .