These include marital breakups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. Manic-depressive illness has a devastating impact on many people. At least 2 million Americans suffer from manic-depressive illness. 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.
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. Most people with manic-depressive illness can be helped with treatment. Recognition of the various mood states is essential so that the person who has manic-depressive illness can obtain effective treatment and avoid the harmful consequences of the disease, which include destruction of personal relationships, loss of employment, and suicide. Manic-depressive illness is often not recognized by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians.