Who is at Risk for Bipolar Disorder?

The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines bipolar disorder as a mental illness characterized by dramatic mood swings. In one moment, a person goes from being filled with energy, or manic, to being sad, hopeless and despondent. Bipolar disorder negatively affects people's daily lives, relationships and academic performance. Untreated conditions can lead to suicide. Although different people suffer from this condition, certain members of the population are at risk for bipolar disorder.

Family History

• People with a family history of mental illness are at increased risk for bipolar disorder, especially if parents or siblings suffer from depression or other mental illnesses.

Substance Abuse

• The National Institute of Mental Health says that people who abuse drugs or alcohol are at risk for developing bipolar disorder. These substances trigger many of the behavioral manifestations of mania.

Anxiety Disorders

• The National Institute of Mental Health states that anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder increase bipolar disorder risk factors. The Institute says that often bipolar and anxiety disorders overlap.

Medication and Medical Conditions

• Certain medications and medical conditions put people at risk for bipolar disorder. Aurora Health Care says that corticosteroids, thyroid disease and neurological diseases like Parkinson's syndrome sometime co-exist with bipolar disorder.

Stressful Events

• HelpGuide.org says that stresses such as death, marriage, job loss and going away to college, triggers bipolar disorder in many people, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to this condition.