Bipolar disorder is a chronic and typically recurring illness with significant psychosocial morbidity. Although the aetiological factors that contribute to the onset of mania, and by definition bipolar I disorder, are poorly understood, it most commonly occurs during the adolescent period.
Putative risk factors for developing bipolar disorder include having a first-degree relative with a mood disorder, physical/sexual abuse and other psychosocial stressors, substance use disorders, psychostimulant and antidepressant medication exposure and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
Source: Omega Research