Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Family Risk & Genetic Factors

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by periods of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression, and recent research suggests that it does indeed run in families.

Statistics

• According to bipolargenes.org, one to three percent of the population has bipolar disorder. If you has a close relative with bipolar disorder, you are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop bipolar disorder or depression (see Resources).

Onset

• Bipolar disorder typically occurs before age 35. If left untreated, manic episodes can last up to three months. Several therapies and medications have proven effective for this disorder.

Demographics

• According to WebMD, bipolar disorder affects both genders, all races and all economic classes equally. The only real indicator of susceptibility is genetics (see Resources).

Research

• The bipolar genetics collaboration (see bipolargenes.org below) is attempting to map which genes affect/cause bipolar disorder.

Importance of Treatment

• As bipolar disorder can significantly shape one's world, so it is important to be evaluated by a mental health professional in order to assess risk as well as treatment.