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Classic twin and family genetic studies show that bipolar disorder is highly heritable. Genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder overlap with both unipolar depression and schizophrenia, although there also appears to be a specific genetic component contributing to the risk for mania. Recent large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of bipolar disorder have confirmed some of the previous associations with schizophrenia genes such as disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) as well as genes associated with regulation of calcium channels such as Ankyrin-G and CACNA1C.

Non shared environmental risk factors such as adverse life events are also influential in bipolar disorder, although less research has been done compared to unipolar disorder. Adverse events defined as “severe and threatening” are reported more frequently before episodes of depression in bipolar disorder as well as prior to mania. However manic mood swings are also precipitated by other types of events, such as those associated with goal attainment or schedule disruption.

In this talk, I will consider the role of life events and genetic risk factors in bipolar disorder by reference to a large genetic case control association study carried out at the Centre. In addition the clinical implications of these findings will also be considered.

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