What increases my risk for bipolar disorder?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Family history, certain lifestyle choices, and comorbid conditions may increase your risk for developing bipolar disorder. For example, if you are between 15 and 30 years old and you have a sibling or parent who is bipolar, you are more at risk. Going through long periods of stress or grief can also trigger bipolar disorder. Drinking too much alcohol or abusing some drugs to relieve your symptoms actually increases your risk of developing bipolar disorder. Finally, some researchers believe there is a link between hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder, so if you have hypothyroidism you may be at higher risk for developing bipolar disorder.
Family history, certain lifestyle choices, and comorbid conditions may increase your risk for developing bipolar disorder. For example, if you are between 15 and 30 years old and you have a sibling or parent who is bipolar, you are more at... More -
Bipolar disorder is thought to be hereditary. So if someone in your family has bipolar disorder, you may be at an increased risk. Women and men are equally at risk, though women seem to experience more depression and men more mania. Most people develop the disorder in the late teens or as young adults.
Bipolar disorder is thought to be hereditary. So if someone in your family has bipolar disorder, you may be at an increased risk. Women and men are equally at risk, though women seem to experience more depression and men more mania. Most people... More -
Donna Hill Howes answered:No one is sure what increases the risk for bipolar disorder. However, there is some evidence that this condition runs in families. If one of your parents or siblings has or had bipolar disorder, then you are four to six times more likely than the average person to develop the condition. Keep in mind, though, that your risk for developing bipolar disorder is still small, even if a family member has it.No one is sure what increases the risk for bipolar disorder. However, there is some evidence that this condition runs in families. If one of your parents or siblings has or had bipolar disorder, then you are four to six times more likely than the... More -
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. A family history of depression appears to exist in 80 to 90% of cases of bipolar disorder. More than two-thirds of people with the disorder have a close relative with it or with depression. Recent research has identified a gene (DISC1) that is linked with developing bipolar disorder. This same gene may also influence the chances of getting schizophrenia and major depression.
Having certain coexisting medical conditions, or taking certain medications, may increase the risk for a manic syndrome. Conditions that have been linked with causing symptoms of bipolar disorder include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), extrapyramidal diseases or diseases of the nerves dealing with movement (Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease), central nervous system infections (general paresis, viral encephalitis), cerebral neoplasms, cerebral trauma, cerebrovascular accidents, dialysis dementia, kidney problems, Kleine-Levin syndrome (the need for excessive sleep), Klinefelter's syndrome (genetic abnormality which increases risk of diseases), multiple sclerosis (MS, an inflammatory disease of the muscular system), pellagra (a vitamin B3 or niacin deficiency), Pick's disease (rare brain disease leading to dementia), postpartum mania (mania after having a baby), stroke, temporal lobe epilepsy, thyroid diseases, Wilson's disease (accumulation of copper), and Vitamin B12 deficiency.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. A family history of depression appears to exist in 80 to 90% of cases of bipolar disorder. More than two-thirds of people with the disorder have a close relative with it or with depression. Recent... More -
Healthwise answered:Bipolar disorder can be passed down through families. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your risk of having it is higher.
Some things can increase your risk of a manic episode or depression. These include:
- Changes in sleep or daily routines.
- Antidepressant medicine. This can happen if you haven't been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are seeking treatment for depression.
- Stressful events.
- Quitting your medicine for bipolar disorder. Even if you're feeling better, it's important to take your medicines as prescribed.
Alcohol or drug use or abuse puts you at a high risk for having a relapse of mood disturbances.
Bipolar disorder can be passed down through families. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your risk of having it is higher. Some things can increase your risk of a manic episode or depression. These include: Changes... More
