TeenHealthFX - Answers - Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?

Bipolar Disorder & Extreme Moods / Question
Published: August 27, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I know a diagnosis over the web isn't a good idea...but learning is probably ok. I wanted to ask you about something: my uncle is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. his mother (my grandmother) is not diagnosed but in her behavior I have observed many symptoms of bipolar disorder. I have also observed it in myself. Is bipolar disorder genetic? I don't know if I have it but my guess is that my chances of having it are pretty high, right?

Signed: Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?

Dear Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?,

TeenHealthFX agrees with you – using the web as an educational or informational tool is absolutely fine, but self-diagnosing over the web is generally not a good idea. FX is glad you are using our site to get more information for yourself about this issue, but we do strongly recommend that you speak with a medical or mental health professional to get further information and recommendations on how to address your concerns.

As far as your question about bipolar disorder being a genetic illness, the exact causes of bipolar disorder are not currently known – however, genetics is among several factors that are believed to be involved in causing or triggering bipolar episodes. Professionals speculate that there is no one factor – but a specific combination of factors that act together to produce this mental illness. These factors include:

Biochemical: High-tech imaging studies on people with bipolar disorder indicate that people living with this illness have physical changes in their brains. It is also thought that the naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are tied to mood, may play as role. Some scientists believe that bipolar disorder may result from the premature death of brain cells that deal with mood and emotion. Hormonal imbalances might also be involved.
Genes: There are some studies which have shown that bipolar disorder is more common in people whose biological family members have the condition. Researchers are currently trying to find the genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.
Environment: While the influence may not be as great as biochemical issues or genetics, environment is thought to influence the illness. This is because some studies of identical twins have shown one twin with the condition while the other doesn’t have it – indicating that more than genetics must be involved. Environmental causes may include issues around self-esteem, significant loss, or high stress. It is also believed that certain types of illicit drug use can trigger bipolar episodes, such as cocaine or methamphetamine.

It is important to remember that there are various medical and psychological illnesses where the symptoms involved closely resemble that of bipolar disorder. It is important that these conditions be ruled out so that an accurate diagnosis can be attained. Medical issues that can be confused with bipolar disorder include head trauma, thyroid problems, and epilepsy. Psychological issues can include ADHD, substance abuse, panic disorder, and schizophrenia.

If you have any concern that you may have bipolar disorder because of symptoms you see in yourself, or because of family history, FX suggests that you schedule a consultation with a mental health professional so that you can be accurately diagnosed and started on a treatment plan if you do have bipolar disorder. A treatment plan for people living with bipolar disorder usually includes the use of medication and “talk” therapy in the form of individual, family and/or group therapy. It is important that people with bipolar disorder seek out treatment and adhere to their treatment plan as the disease can worsen with time if left untreated.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

To learn more about bipolar disorder, including symptoms, course of the illness, treatment options, and the indirect affects on family and friends, please read our answer to “What Happens When Someone Is Bipolar And They Don’t Take Their Meds?” under the Other Mental Illnesses section of the Emotional Health category of the website.

Signed: TeenHealthFX