A recent study of eleven countries finds the U.S. has the highest lifetime rate of bipolar disorder. About one in five people have it.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycles of depression and mania, or high energy levels.

We spoke to a clinical counselor to find out what causes this illlness for this KHQA Safe Family Health Report.

Chuck Johnson with Blessing Behavioral Health Services says the most common triggers are stress, sleep deprivation and alcohol or drug abuse. The onset usually occurs around the age of 25, and is commonly identified by family and friends rather than the person who has it.

But there's good news.

"This is what we need to stress with people, that we know how to identify the symptoms, we know how to diagnose the illness, we know how to treat it and we have about a 80-90 percent success rate in terms of helping patients manage their lives," said Johnson.

Johnson says the illness can be hereditary. He says children with a bipolar parent are four to six times more likely to inherit the illness. If you think you're experiencing the symptoms, you should see a psychiatrist or physician.