 [ Symptoms ] what increases the risk of getting bipolar disorder in childhood and adolescence [ Disease ] your child is risk of developing bipolar disorder or other mood disorders increases if the child has a close relative such as a parent sibling or grandparent with bipolar disorder or another mood disorder has a family history of problems with alcohol or drugs this may be an indication of self medication for a psychological disorder such as bipolar disorder has had several episodes of major depression at least 15 of adolescents with recurring depression are later diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 certain factors can trigger depressive or manic episodes in your child such as erratic sleep or changes in daily routines treatment with antidepressants which can increase the risk for a manic episode stressful life events not taking medicines as prescribed using alcohol or drugs  substance abuse  entering puberty webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information © 1995 2011 healthwise incorporated healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated