National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Bipolar disorder

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Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Bipolar affective disorder; Bipolar illness; Manic depression; Bipolar affective disorder; Bipolar illness; Manic depression; Manic-depressive psychosis; Major affective disorder See More
Categories:
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, sleep and behavior. Signs and symptoms typically include alternating periods of manic episodes (joyful or excited states) and depressive episodes (very sad, hopeless or empty states). Mood episodes may also include symptoms of both mania and depression (a mixed state). It often develops in the late teens or early adult years, but age of onset can range from childhood to late in life. Bipolar disorder can run in families, although no single gene is thought to cause the condition. Many factors acting together likely increase a person's risk to develop the disorder. Treatment may include medication and psychotherapy for preventing relapses and reducing the severity of symptoms.[1]
Last updated: 11/18/2011
The cause of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, remains unclear. Studies have strongly suggested that genetics play an important role in the development of mood disorders, but there is no clear pattern of inheritance. They are likely caused by the interaction of several genes with environmental factors (called complex or multifactorial inheritance).[2] In the general population (i.e. for individuals with no close family history), the risk to develop manic depressive illness is about 2-3%. Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are approximately 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.[1]

eMedicine has an article with more detailed information about the genetics of bipolar disorder. Click here to view this article.
Last updated: 11/21/2011
Studies of thousands of affected individuals have identified a number of "risk genes" (also called susceptibility genes) for bipolar disorder (i.e. genes in which changes appear to increase a person's risk to develop the disorder). However, none of these genes have been shown to have a strong enough effect on a person's risk to warrant clinical genetic testing for affected individuals.[2]

GeneTests lists the names of laboratories that are performing research genetic testing for bipolar disorder. To access the contact information for the research laboratories performing genetic testing, click here. Please note that most of the laboratories listed through GeneTests do not accept direct contact from patients and their families; therefore, if you are interested in learning more, you will need to work with a health care provider or a genetics professional.
Last updated: 11/21/2011

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Bipolar disorder. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Bipolar disorder. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers. 
  • The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has information on this topic. NIMH is part of the National Institutes of Health and is dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing mental illnesses.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Bipolar disorder. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • Where can I find the latest information about genetic testing for bipolar disorder? See answer


  1. Bipolar Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. September 28, 2011; http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml. Accessed 11/18/2011.
  2. Clement C Zai. Genetics of Bipolar Disorder. eMedicine. June 14, 2011; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2004136-overview#a1. Accessed 11/21/2011.