Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens - What Increases Your Risk

What Increases Your Risk

Your child's risk of developing bipolar disorder or other mood disorders increases if the child:

• Has a close relative such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent with bipolar disorder or another mood disorder.
• Has a family history of problems with alcohol or drugs. This may be an indication of self-medication for an underlying psychological disorder, such as bipolar disorder.
• Has had several episodes of major depression. At least 15% of adolescents with recurring depression are later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.²

Certain factors can trigger depressive or manic episodes in your child, such as:

• Erratic sleep or changes in daily routines.
• Treatment with antidepressants, which can increase the risk for a manic episode.
• Stressful life events.
• Not taking medications as prescribed.
• Using alcohol or drugs (substance abuse).
• Entering puberty.