Although the cause of bipolar disorder is not 100 percent certain, there are several known factors that can contribute to its onset. This disorder is something that is not completely understood or accepted in the African American community, which plays a vital role in our lack of treatment or misdiagnosis. There is a common cultural predisposition in our community to emotionally rely more so on religion and family than health care professionals. Faith and family will always be a significant part of our culture but it cannot replace the medical attention required to properly manage this disorder.

Bipolar disorder is known to run in a family’s bloodline. Those with a family history are at a 25 percent higher risk of developing this illness. There are currently new brain imaging equipment and genetic mapping technologies being developed to advance our understanding of the genetic influence of this disorder. A study of identical twins shows that bipolar disorder will not always develop in both twins. Studies have found that there is a 60-80 percent chance of both twins having bipolar disorder, which helps to prove that social and environmental conditions also play a role in its onset. The symptoms generally start during late adolescent years and early adulthood with social stresses being a leading trigger. 

There are certain environmentally stressful conditions that typically occur at a higher rate among the African American culture, which are known to negatively influence this disorder.  Although African Americans make up only 12 percent of the population in the United States we account for over 40 percent of the homeless population as well as 45 percent of the foster care population. Socioeconomic disadvantages may also play a role in the high percentage of those with bipolar disorder who go untreated. One out of every four African Americans is uninsured, which has a large affect on the pattern of delayed diagnosis or the tendency to only treat severe physical illnesses.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects more than 5.6 million Americans. As certain life stressors can contribute to the onset of this disorder, there are also a number of unique measures that African American communities can take to help treat or properly diagnosis this illness. Bipolar awareness programs that are supported by churches or community centers can help to de-stigmatize mental illnesses as well as provide a valuable resource to the African American community. A study done by the University of California San Diego, which was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry states, “It is possible that the higher rate of homelessness among African Americans may be in part due to fewer community resources for this group of patients, whereas the larger Latino community may be able to provide more resources to protect against homelessness."

An increased effort to improve the health care enrollment rate will help to ensure that those who suffer from bipolar disorder will have the proper coverage to treat this illness early. African Americans account for only 2 percent of the psychiatric profession. Overall community encouragement for more minorities to pursue careers in the mental healthcare field will also help to increase social sensitivity and eliminate cultural barriers.