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Introduction to Bipolar Disorder
Triggers for Bipolar Disorder
In many cases, onset of manic and/or depressive episodes is clearly associated with precipitating events called triggers or stressors that are consistently evident before the onset of a bipolar episode. Common triggers include:
- Sleep loss (triggers mania but not depression)
- Substance abuse
- Sudden discontinuation of certain drugs (e.g., lithium)
- Prior use of antidepressants
- Trauma
- Grief
- Change of seasons
According to the American Psychiatric Association, triggers usually precede an episode in all phases of bipolar disorder.
