Genetics

• According to bipolardepressioninfo.com, though not the only cause of bipolar disorder, genetics largely determine whether a person will develop bipolar disorder in their lifetime. It is now known that a person's risk for developing bipolar disorder increases when a patient has parents with the disorder.
  
  

Triggers

• According to BPkids.org, a website dedicated to child and adolescent sufferers of the disorder, children are predisposed to the disorder, which can be aggravated or triggered by stress.
  
  

Diagnosis Difficulties

• Bipolar symptoms can mimic those of hyperactivity and attention disorders, especially when a patient is in a manic phase. Parents may be more aware of hyperactivity disorders than they are of bipolar, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
  
  

Misconceptions

• A person may be unaware there is a family history of bipolar disorder simply because of a lack of awareness over the years or the fact that a close relative or parent was never medically diagnosed.
  
  

Considerations

• The importance of genetic counseling and family medical history is essential to proper diagnosis and treatment of bipolar patients of any age.