People with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk for suicide than other in the general public. Based on this risk, a lot of research is being done to understand this process and how to prevent suicides. According to some new research, if someone with bipolar disorder has a family member who committed suicide, it increases their risk three-fold.

This statistic is not something that is brand new, and most professionals are aware that having a close friend or family members that has even attempted suicide can increase the risk for someone, particularly if they are struggling with a serious mental illness. Hopefully this type of study will educate people about this fact and increases the likelihood of people seeking treatment or emergency services if they have this type of pattern in their family.

_{Dr Will Meek is a psychologist practicing in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly about mental health on his blog: Vancouver Counseling}

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 31 Jul 2011
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