Are people born with bipolar disorder?

Whether it’s possible for you to be born withbipolar disorderremains an unresolved question.

Most researchers agree that brain and environmental factors probably contribute as well.

Tired, stressed businesswoman at laptop with head in hands

Caiaimage/Rafal Rodzoch / Getty Images

Stress may stem from a variety of experiences.

Stressful life events can lead to the onset of symptoms in those susceptible to bipolar disorder.

However, once the disorder is triggered it may progress.

Once the cycle begins, psychological and/or biological processes may take over and keep the illness active.

Environmental Triggers

For Depressive Episodes

Once someone experiences bipolar disorder, small stresses may trigger depressive episodes.

However, scientists could refine that theory tomorrow.

The one sure thing is that they won’t give up looking for answers.

National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar Disorder.

Gordovez FJA, McMahon FJ.The genetics of bipolar disorder.Mol Psychiatry.

2020;25(3):544-559.

Magioncalda P, Martino M.A unified model of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.Mol Psychiatry.

2020;119:104658. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104658

National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

Published 2015 Feb 25. doi:10.1186/s40345-015-0022-4