It is of ten not recognized as an illness and people with it often suffer needlessly for years or even decades. At least 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder. For those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive. Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family members, friends, and employers. Family members of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavioral problems and the lasting consequences of these behaviors.
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families and is believed to be inherited in many cases.
Despite vigorous research efforts, a specific genetic defect associated with the disease has not yet been detected. Bipolar illness has been diagnosed in children under age 12, although it is not common in this age bracket. It involves widely spaced long lasting bouts of mania followed by long lasting bouts of depression and vice versa. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday, as indicated by either subjective report or observation of others. In children or adolescents can be irritable mood.