Is a person born with bipolar disorder or does it develope?

Yes: Although patients are born with a predisposition bipolar disorders present in late adolescense

Both: Genetic is the biggest factor but environment also plays significant role

Bipolar: If bipolar illness exists in the family a child is more apt to be bipolar, otherwise it develops over time

If one parent has : Bipolar Depression, each of his or her children has a 20% chance of developing it, except in some families in which a genogram or family tree shows an autosomal dominant pattern, in which each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Onset of symptoms can occur in a prepubertal child, but often occurs in late adolescence. 50% of kids & 25% of teens with BPD also have ADHD .

Not either/or: But both and more! A wise professor told me "It's neither either/or but both and more. Probably for different folk the balance shifts but like most complex conditions there is a vulnerability that is exploited by exposure. So, if you have a genetic tendency, it's a good idea to live prudently. That's both a good thing for us all and easier said than done. Talk w/ a therapist to how.

Good question: complex illness with a definite genetic predispostion; however, some cases are not that easily explained and can develop with time.

Both: It is a genetically-based spectrum of conditions. How and when (and whether) the illness expresses itself depends on many things. Most commonly, a first bipolar mood episode (depression or mania) is likely to occur in late adolescence/early adulthood

Both: As a disorder that is partially influenced by genetics - that is, a predisposition to it can be inherited - it does not develop in all persons who are genetically predisposed. Other factors - life experiences, other illnesses or medications, etc. may be associated with the disorder's actually emerging.