Bipolar disorder can be passed down through families. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your risk of developing it is higher.

If you have bipolar disorder, changes in sleep or daily routines can increase your risk for a manic episode. Antidepressant medications can trigger a manic episode in someone who has bipolar disorder.⁷ This may occur, however, before someone is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, while he or she is seeking treatment for an episode of depression.

A stressful event may trigger an episode of mania or depression.

Your risk of either a depressive or manic episode is increased if you do not take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. It is common for people to stop taking their medications during a manic phase when they feel good. Even if you are feeling better, you must take your medications regularly to control bipolar disorder.

Alcohol or drug use or abuse puts you at a high risk for having a relapse of mood disturbances.⁵