Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

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What Increases Your Risk

Bipolar disorder can be passed down through families (genetic risk). If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your risk of developing it is increased.

If you have bipolar disorder, changes in sleep or daily routines can increase your risk for a manic episode. Antidepressant medications can trigger a manic episode in someone who is bipolar. This may occur, however, before someone is diagnosed as bipolar but while he or she is seeking treatment for an episode of depression.

A stressful event may trigger an episode of mania or depression.

Your risk of either a depressive or manic episode is increased if you do not take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. It is common for people to stop taking their medications during a manic phase when they feel good. Even if you are feeling better, you must take your medications regularly to control bipolar disorder.

Alcohol or drug use or abuse puts you at a high risk for having a relapse of mood disturbances.

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