scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder. most scientists agree that there is no single cause. rather many factors likely act together to produce the illness or increase risk. genetics bipolar disorder tends to run in families so researchers are looking for genes that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. genes are the "building blocks" of heredity. they help control how the body and brain work and grow. genes are contained inside a person's cells that are passed down from parents to children. children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness compared with children who do not have a family history of bipolar disorder. however most children with a family history of bipolar disorder will not develop the illness.
what are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?