Some of the issues with bipolar disorder are that there does not seem to be a true cause for the disorder and those who are suffering often seem to be having problems with being able to figure out what was the onset of their mental illness. The authors of one article, researchers from the University of Miami, Bulter Hospital, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, utilized regression models and two parallel multi-level analyses to examine the role of negative and goal-attainment life events as predictors of the course of bipolar disorder.
Negative and goal-attainment life events were addressed with the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule. Changes in symptoms were evaluated using the Modified Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale. Their findings suggested that goal-attainment life events predicted increases in manic but not depressive symptoms. In contrast to the hypothesis, baseline symptoms did not increase reactively to life events (Johnson, Cuellar, Ruggero, Winett-Perlman, Goodnick, and White 2008).
What this article is suggesting is that there is not known connection to the baseline symptoms of those suffering from bipolar disorder when there are major problems in their lives. Therefore the idea that stress can irritate or make the situations worse for those suffering from bipolar disorder is not anything that will be able to be named as a cause or as a symptom. Biological There are many different things that can be looked at as part of the biological complexities that are often cited as a cause for bipolar disorder.
In one article the authors talk about a study that they conducted. These authors were researchers at the University of Miami. They conducted two different studies utilizing correctional studies and multiple regression analyses to examine cognitive responses to failure and success and their association with depression and mania within bipolar disorder. Their research was the first to examine tendencies to hold high standards, engage in self-criticism, and generalize from failure to an overall sense of self worth.
The results of both studies propose that responses to failure are associated with the history of depression, whereas responses to success are associated with a risk for mania. Evidence indicates that mood-stabilizing medications are helpful with bipolar symptoms; however, rates of relapse remain quite high even with best available medications. Their hypothesis supports the effort has been directed toward developing psychosocial treatments that can be offered as adjuncts to medication treatment (Eisner, Johnson, and Carver 2008).