The authors studied 442 probands with nonbipolar major depression, 64
with bipolar II disorder, and 88 with bipolar I disorder. Although the
proband groups did not differ in occupational or educational achievement,
the first-degree relatives of probands with bipolar disorders had
significantly higher mean levels of achievement than did those of probands
with nonbipolar disorder. This pattern applied whether or not the relatives
themselves had bipolar illness. The authors conclude that the socioeconomic
advantage previously associated with affective disorder in general may be
limited to the bipolar forms.Abstract Teaser