Can Bipolar Disease Be Inherited?

Is bipolar disorder inherited? It can be. According to Bipolar Focus, a support organization for those with this disorder, you are seven to 20 times more likely to have this disease if one of your parents is bipolar. Other factors such as biologic vulnerability, environment and life events may also play a role. If someone in your family is bipolar, it doesn't mean you will have the disorder.

Genetic Predisposition

• Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. Scientists believe there is no single gene that is the origin; rather, it can be caused by several genes and influenced by your environment.

Likelihood of Inheriting

• If one identical twin is bipolar, then the other has a 60 to 80 percent of being diagnosed. In contrast, if one fraternal twin has the illness, there is only a 20 percent chance the other will have it.

Biologic Vulnerability

• Biologic vulnerabilities such as a chemical imbalance in the brain can contribute to the disorder. This may be inherited or a reaction to environmental events.

Triggers

• If you have a genetic tendency to bipolar disorder, certain things may trigger it. A stressful life event, hormonal problems and poor health habits such as drug or alcohol abuse can all cause onset.

Other Risks

• If your parents or other close relatives have bipolar disorder, you may also be at genetic risk for developing ADHD, learning or mood disorders or anxiety disorders, even if you are not bipolar.