Yeah, I've enjoyed our conversation. There's much evidence that bipolar disorder is genetically linked, and it is generally very responsive to medical intervention (i.e. lithium, anti-convulsants, and anti-psychotics). Anti-depressants can send bipolar directly into mania, as well as some cold medicines, steroid treatment like for breathing problems. I have to watch myself when I use my asthma medications for instance.

The social workers at the hospital say that the genetic link can be as far back as 7 generations, thus the reason not all of us know who we may have inherited it from. I suspect my grandmother, but in those days, they didn't treat such things. My husband suspects his mother, but she's too stubborn to see a psychiatrist (but boy does she need to).

Mental illnesses are medical disorders as well as psychological disorders. While a few people with bipolar disorder can function well without medications, most need them. Many people with bipolar disorder are so disabled by the disease that they are unable to work. I'm very fortunate that I have been able to maintain my career.