What theory suggests bipolar disorder may be caused by issues with neurotransmitter activity?

The Monoamine dysregulation theory posits that mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, are linked to abnormalities in the neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This theory emphasizes the role of three key neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. In bipolar disorder, fluctuations in mood are thought to be related to the activity levels of these neurotransmitters.

For example, during manic episodes, there may be an increase in dopaminergic activity, while depressive episodes may correlate with diminished serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This theory has been foundational in guiding the pharmacological approaches to treatment, where medications like mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics aim to restore the balance of these neurotransmitters.

The other theories mentioned, while influential in the understanding of mental health disorders, do not specifically target neurotransmitter activity as a root cause of bipolar disorder. For instance, the Dopamine hypothesis largely focuses on schizophrenia, and Behavioral activation theory and Cognitive behavioral theory emphasize different aspects of psychological conditions and treatment approaches rather than underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Thus, Monoamine dysregulation theory is the most pertinent in explaining the neurotransmitter involvement in bipolar disorder.