so sorry it's uncertain! i thought i might share what i've learned in hopes that it might be helpful. bipolar is a two-headed monster: genetic predisposition and environment (i.e. how you were brought up). my dad is the moodiest guy i've ever met, and though he's never been formally diagnosed with a mood disorder, it's clear there's something there that he easily (and almost certainly) passed on to me. (oh, what joy is mine.) my mom has a good head on her shoulders, so i don't think she contributed genetically. however, i think the circumstances surrounding my childhood are to blame for the expression of this delightful and unpredictable disorder we call bipolar. my parents were distant, unaffectionate and, though this may cruel, pretty selfish. the lack of support and desire to win affection through perfection (behavior, school performance) led me to here. (not to mention nearly-crippling social anxiety, sleep problems and a boat load of medications) so, to end this, bipolar (and all mental illnesses) are really complex and often aren't simple to trace. it may be necessary to tease out the possible causes/contributing factors, and that can take a while. don't give up and best of luck!