Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder
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A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop bipolar disorder with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for bipolar disorder include:
- Genetic factors— Bipolar disorder can run in families. There is a high likelihood that there is a genetic component to this disorder. Eighty to ninety percent of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with either depression or bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is not caused by one specific gene, but rather many genes that act together.
- Medications and medical conditions—Medications (eg, corticosteroids), medical conditions (eg, thyroid disease), and neurological diseases (eg, Parkinson's syndrome ) may present with features of bipolar disorder. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made only when none of these conditions are present.
References:
Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ . Updated April 2008. Accessed June 21, 2008
Carson RC, Butcher JN. Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life . 11th ed. New York, NY: Allyn and Bacon; 2000.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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