Introduction to Bipolar Disorder

Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

Risk factors for the development of bipolar disorder may include:

• Family history of bipolar disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Certain personality traits (lack of persistence, tendency to avoid harmful situations)
• Hypothyroidism
• Time of year (mania tends to occur in summer, depression tends to occur in fall and winter)
• Higher socioeconomic status
• Psychosocial stressors
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Drugs/medications