Question

The etiology of bipolar disorder is a. dependent upon race and social status b. clearly genetic c. dependent upon time of birth d. dependent upon country of origin e. not due to any genetic factors

Short answer

Answer: The etiology of bipolar disorder is clearly genetic.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the options

To solve this exercise, we will go through each option and determine whether it is a correct factor for the etiology of bipolar disorder or not.

Analyzing option a

Option a states that the etiology of bipolar disorder is dependent upon race and social status. While these factors may have some influence on the disorder, they are not the primary causes. So, this option is incorrect.

Analyzing option b

Option b states that the etiology of bipolar disorder is clearly genetic. Research has shown that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of bipolar disorder, with heritability estimates ranging from 60% to 80%. Therefore, this option is correct.

Analyzing option c

Option c states that the etiology of bipolar disorder is dependent upon the time of birth. While there are some studies suggesting a potential link between season of birth and increased risk for bipolar disorder, this association is not well-established and is not a determining factor for the disorder. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Analyzing option d

Option d states that the etiology of bipolar disorder is dependent upon the country of origin. Although there might be differences in prevalence rates of bipolar disorder across different countries, the etiology is not primarily determined by the country of origin. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Analyzing option e

Option e states that the etiology of bipolar disorder is not due to any genetic factors. This statement is not correct, as we have established in step 3 that genetic factors do play a significant role in the development of this disorder. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

The correct answer

After analyzing each option, it is clear that option b (the etiology of bipolar disorder is clearly genetic) is the correct answer.