As a field expert in genetics and mental health, I'd like to clarify that the question of whether bipolar disorder is inherited from the mother or the father is a complex one. Bipolar disorder, like many mental health conditions, is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It's important to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding of the current scientific research and the limitations of our knowledge.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that bipolar disorder is a multifactorial condition. This means that it is not determined by a single gene but rather by multiple genes working together, along with environmental influences. The genetic component of bipolar disorder is polygenic, involving many genes, each contributing a small amount to the overall risk.
Research has shown that having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with bipolar disorder significantly increases one's risk of developing the condition. However, the specific pattern of inheritance is not straightforward. Some studies suggest that there may be a maternal bias in the transmission of bipolar disorder, while others indicate a paternal influence or no significant difference between the two.
The statement that "children are more likely to inherit bipolar from their mothers" is based on some studies, but it's not universally accepted. It's important to note that these studies often have limitations, such as small sample sizes or methodological issues, which can affect the interpretation of the results. Additionally, the role of the environment cannot be discounted. Factors such as stress, trauma, substance use, and access to mental health care can all influence the development of bipolar disorder, regardless of genetic predisposition.
Moreover, the expression of bipolar disorder can be influenced by sex hormones, which may contribute to differences in the way the disorder presents in males and females. This adds another layer of complexity to the question of inheritance.
In conclusion, while there is evidence to suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of bipolar disorder, and that children of parents with the condition are at a higher risk, it is an oversimplification to attribute the disorder to inheritance from either the mother or the father alone. The interplay between genetics and environment is intricate and still not fully understood. It's also worth mentioning that even if someone has a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder, they may never develop the condition due to a variety of protective factors and life circumstances.

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We know that children of bipolar parents face an elevated risk of developing the disorder themselves. Some studies have found children are more likely to --inherit bipolar-- from their mothers, but other research has shown the rate of bipolar is higher when the father is the parent with bipolar disorder.read more >>