Genetics of Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: Focus on Family Studies Using Whole Exome Sequencing

Family, twin, adoption studies showed that bipolar spectrum disorders—bipolar disorder (BD) types 1 and 2, cyclothymic disorder—may have a familial nature and aggregate among relatives. Moreover, in persons with a history of BD, an earlier manifestation, a more frequent presence of concomitant psychopathology, and a more severe course of the disease are noted. At the same time, despite the high inheritability (up to 85%), BD is phenotypically...