Social class in unipolar and bipolar probands and relatives

130 patients fulfilling DSM-III-R criteria for bipolar disorder (n = 62), bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (n = 19) and major depression (n = 49) were included in a comparative study on the occupational levels of uni- and bipolar probands and relatives. The occupational levels did not significantly differ between uni- and bipolar probands. An overrepresentation was found in the higher occupational class in bipolar probands' brothers and children. A comparison between the whole groups including probands and all their relatives revealed a social advantage both for male and female members of bipolar families. These results are in agreement with those of previous studies demonstrating an association between bipolar disorder and social achievement in relatives.