How Important Is Family History In Determining My Risk For Developing Bipolar Disorder?

Dr. William Gilmer answers the question: 'Family History And Bipolar Risk?'

By
William Gilmer, M.D., Psychiatrist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
February 27, 2008, 5:33 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: How important is family history in determining my risk for developing bipolar disorder?

Answer: Family history most definitely is a risk factor for the development of bipolar illness.

For an individual with a family member who suffers from bipolar illness, their risk of developing bipolar illness is seven times greater than that for a person who does not have a family history of bipolar illness among a first-degree relative.

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