Bipolar disorder

This leaflet is for anyone who wants to know more about bipolar disorder (sometimes called bipolar affective disorder). It is especially written for anyone who has bipolar disorder, their friends and relatives.

This leaflet describes:

  • The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
  • Some of the problems you may encounter.
  • Some ways of coping.
  • Evidence-based treatments.

There are other resources on this website on bipolar disorder for young people and parents and carers.

About our information

We publish information to help people understand more about mental health and mental illness, and the kind of care they are entitled to.

Our information isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice from a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We encourage you to speak to a medical professional if you need more information or support. Please read our disclaimer.

Similar genetic ‘risk factors’ are involved in whether someone develops bipolar disorder, severe depression or schizophrenia. There are also environmental risk factors, and these can interact with genetic risk factors to increase or decrease your risk of developing these conditions.

For example, you might have genetic risk factors that mean you are more likely to develop bipolar disorder. However, if you grow up or live in a stable and positive environment this may reduce your risk of developing a serious mental illness.

Having a parent with a serious mental illness like bipolar is the strongest known risk factor for developing a serious mental illness yourself. Children with a parent who has a serious mental illness have a 1 in 3 chance of developing a serious mental illness themselves.

When thinking about the causes of developing bipolar disorder, it is important to remember that lots of different things are involved, and that no single risk factor causes bipolar disorder.3

Credits

Produced by the RCPsych Public Engagement Editorial Board

Series Editor: Dr Phil Timms
Series Manager: Thomas Kennedy


Published: Aug 2020


© Royal College of Psychiatrists