What affects a child’s risk of getting bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness, compared with children who do not have a family history of bipolar disorder.³ However, most children with a family history of bipolar disorder will not develop the illness. Compared with children whose parents do not have bipolar disorder, children whose parents have bipolar disorder may be more likely to have symptoms of anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).⁴

Several studies show that youth with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than youth without anxiety disorders. However, anxiety disorders are very common in young people. Most children and teens with anxiety disorders do not develop bipolar disorder.^{5, 6}

At this time, there is no way to prevent bipolar disorder. NIMH is currently studying how to limit or delay the first symptoms in children with a family history of the illness.

Also see the section in this booklet called "What illnesses often co-exist with bipolar disorder in children and teens?"

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