Risk Factors:

Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include:

-Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder

-Periods of high stress

-Drug or alcohol abuse

-Major life changes, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic experiences

-Effects men and women equally

-It happens in children but exact figures are not known

-It effects one percent of the adult population

Mood Disorders

Bipolar I and II