[pedagogue]

Prevelance rates and genetic influence are often argued, and rarely universally agreed upon. The way most research is conducted in regard to genetic influence is through the use of twin studies. Monozygotic and Dyzygotic twins are studied to compare genetic make-up and used to estimate the genetic influence in a particular are (such as bipolar disorder)

The generally accepted prevelance rate for bipolar disorder is 1.0-1.5% of the general population (based on US numbers). Using twin studies, researchers have estimated that a 1st degree relative of a person with BPD is about a 5x-8x more likely to have BDP (roughly 5-8% chance). If BOTH parents have BDP, the numbers go up (possibly doubling or so). It has been awhile since I"ve looked at this type of info, but I think those are the generally accepted numbers.

There are many other factors that feed into the development of BPD. Social influence, substance abuse, etc.

A BlueMoon said, BPD can be a pain in the ass, but it is managable. There was a thread on here (it might have been moved to the Cafe) that talked about famous bipolars, many of which were artists/writers.....which makes sense if you think about the range and depth of emotion many of those endevours require.

-p