One suggested cause of bipolar disorder is an increase in brain structures related to emotions, including the amygdala. Additionally, some research has suggested that unusually high levels of norepinephrine activity are also responsible for the symptoms of this illness. On the contrary, it is possible that the illness causes these changes in brain areas and neurotransmitters. This uncertain direction of effect demonstrates which of the six principles mentioned in your chapter?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle in question is correlation versus causation, which refers to the need to determine directionality in a relationship between two variables (i.e., which variable is causing the other, or are they both causing each other?). In this case, it is unclear whether the brain changes and neurotransmitter activity are causing bipolar disorder, or if the disorder is causing these changes. Therefore, we cannot make causal claims about the relationship between these variables without further investigation.

One Suggested Cause of Bipolar Disorder Is an Increase in Brain