Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?

There have been many studies over the years to determine not only that Bipolar Disorder is genetic, but also which specific genetic variants play a role in how Bipolar Disorder affects an individual. Studies have confirmed that there is a genetic component that can affect Bipolar Disorder and whether or not an individual with a family history of the disorder may be at higher risk of bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one are looking for mental health treatment to help overcome and mitigate the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, another Mood Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Depressive Disorder, or another psychiatric disorder don’t hesitate to reach out to our kind and compassionate admissions team today at AMFM Mental Health Treatment by calling us.

is bipolar disorder genetic

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is defined by the American Psychological Association as a “serious mental illness in which common emotions become intensely and often unpredictably magnified.”1 Bipolar disorder is often characterized by drastic mood swings from high-energy, happiness and productivity to lows of sadness, exhaustion and major depression, and the shift between these two phases can grow to be so intense that an individual may consider suicide. Studies have shown that individuals living with Bipolar Disorder are at increased risk to attempt suicide at least once in their life, by 25-60%.2 If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal ideation and need immediate medical assistance, please call 911 for emergency medical attention, or 988, the National Suicide and Crisis hotline, which is available 24/7, free of cost.

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Genetic Studies of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a complicated mental disorder, and as a result, the studies of the heritability of the mental health disorder are complex. However, a few family-based studies have identified a “number of chromosomal regions linked to bipolar disorder, and progress is currently being made in identifying positional candidate genes within those regions.” 3

Bipolar I Disorder, the most severe form of the condition, exists in all of the general population worldwide. In order to thoroughly understand the mental health conditions, researchers have tried many methods to narrow down the risk of developing bipolar disorder, from segregation analyses and adoption studies, to twin studies. Consistently though, the results have been clear that genetic factors play an important role in determining one’s risk of developing BP-I, in addition to environmental factors. 4

Nick Craddock, a leader of molecular genetic research on bipolar disorder, discovered that while “occasional families may exist in which a single gene plays a major role in determining susceptibility, the majority of bipolar disorder involves more complex genetic mechanisms such as the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors.” 5 These genetic studies opened the door for many successive studies to delve further into genetic mapping and learning which genes on a molecular level might contribute to Bipolar Disorder.

Lithium and Bipolar Disorder Genetics

For over half a century, Lithium has been used as a method of psychiatry to treat bipolar disorder. However, in 2022, a cutting-edge molecular study of thousands of people delved deeper into the causes of bipolar disorder. This recent study was developed by researchers at the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in collaboration with institutes globally, “pinpoints a gene called AKAP11 as a strong genetic risk factor for both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.” 6

Genetic Sequencing

The latest studies have used gene-mapping to identify 36 credible genes in the causes of bipolar disorder. Though the neuroscience is increasingly complex, specific cell types have been identified in the psychological process of bipolar disorder, “including GABAergic interneurons and medium spiny neurons. Together, these analyses provide additional insights into the genetic architecture and biological underpinnings of bipolar disorder.” 7 Another study “performed a genome-wide association study of 41,917 bipolar disorder cases and 371,549 controls of European ancestry, which identified 64 associated genomic loci.” 8 Slowly, researchers are bringing us closer to the answers we need to truly understand this complex disorder. 

Bipolar I vs Bipolar II

Bipolar I Disorder is considered the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, and is diagnosed when an individual enters a manic state, characterized by an intense mood swing “up”, consisting of high-energy, uncomfortable irritability, racing thoughts and impulsivity. While Bipolar II Disorder is also characterized by manic episodes, they may be shorter or less severe, referred to as hypomania. A person struggling with Bipolar II will experience depressive episodes, while an individual struggling with Bipolar I may or may not experience depression.

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Inpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Inpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for anxiety usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.

Outpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, intensive outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.

 

If you have been struggling with one or more of the anxiety symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing anxiety. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.

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By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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What to expect

Insurance Verification:

Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:

Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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AMFM Treatment Center for Bipolar Disorder

AMFM Mental Health Treatment center offers specialized treatment for bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and hypomania episode care across multiple locations. Our California, Virginia, and Washington locations offer you or your loved one mental health programming and mental health crisis services at the highest level of care. We provide comprehensive case management‌, a variety of therapies, behavioral health services, and a safe and supportive environment for wellness. We are strategically placed to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs. To find out more about our facilities, contact us at 866-478-4383. Explore our locations below to find the one nearest to you.

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, contact us at 866-478-4383.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching for mental health treatment options in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA. These locations in Virginia are qualified to assist with anxiety treatment and to meet your needs. 

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care for lasting well-being.

American Psychological Association. (n.d.-a). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/bipolar-disorder 

Novick DM, Swartz HA, Frank E. Suicide attempts in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Bipolar Disord. 2010 Feb;12(1):1-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00786.x. PMID: 20148862; PMCID: PMC4536929.

Escamilla MA, Zavala JM. Genetics of bipolar disorder. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(2):141-52. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.2/maescamilla. PMID: 18689285; PMCID: PMC3181866.

Craddock N, Jones I. Molecular genetics of bipolar disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2001;178(S41):s128-s133. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.41.s128

O’Connell, K.S., Koromina, M., van der Veen, T. et al. Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder. Nature 639, 968–975 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08468-9

Eisenstadt, Leah. “Researchers find first strong genetic risk factor for bipolar disorder.” Broad Institute, 6 April 2022, https://www.broadinstitute.org/news/researchers-find-first-strong-genetic-risk-factor-bipolar-disorder. Accessed 11 April 2025.

Mullins N, & et al. Genome-wide association study of more than 40,000 bipolar disorder cases provides new insights into the underlying biology. Nat Genet. 2021