Advancing Knowledge in Youth Bipolar Disorder
Like other complex medical conditions, there is not a single cause of bipolar disorder but rather multiple contributing factors, including genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors. Bipolar disorder is one of the most heritable psychiatric conditions, such that adolescent offspring or siblings of individuals with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for the condition.
In comparison to other major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (also called unipolar depression), there is far less research investment in bipolar disorder. This disparity is especially pronounced among youth. CYBD was established to address this disparity.
Bipolar disorder is also associated with increased risk and early onset of heart disease. While this connection is of course concerning, it also offers potential inroads to better understanding and better treating bipolar disorder. We emphasize the heart-bipolar connection because we believe that approaching bipolar disorder as a disease that impacts the mind, brain, and body is in the best interest of youth and families affected by this condition.
