A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of
getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop
bipolar disorder with or without the risk factors listed below.
However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your
likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. If you have a number
of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your
risk. Risk factors for bipolar disorder include: - Genetic
factors— Bipolar disorder can run in families. There is a high
likelihood that there is a genetic component to this disorder.
Eighty to ninety percent of individuals with bipolar disorder
have a relative with either depression or bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is not caused by one specific gene. It is
caused by many genes that act together. - Medicines and
conditions—Some medicines (such as corticosteroids, cancer
medicines), several medical conditions (such as thyroid disease,
vitamin deficiencies, end-stage renal disease), and certain
neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's syndro