on of several. Bipolar disorder is related to chemical imbalances in the brain. This can be a genetic problem triggered by environmental situations, which include "an upsetting life experience, substance abuse, lack of sleep, or some other excessive stimulation" (Clinical 2). There is a significant amount of research that points out genetic inheritance as a possible cause. In other words it would be difficult to avoid bipolar disorder if any of these issues apply to an individual.
             The Federal Aviation Administration has set up regulations pertaining to bipolar disorder. "Federal Aviation Regulation Part 67.107(a)(3) states that a pilot can have no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a bipolar disorder" (Clinical 1). So, if a pilot does have this disease, he or she will be denied an aviation medical certificate. The Clinical Practice Guideline for Mood Disorders, developed for the Aerospace Medical Association best defines the reasoning behind this denial. An excerpt from this guideline regarding aeromedical concerns states that: "Mood disorders can be associated with a variety of emotional and behavioral anomalies including depressed mood, suicidal attempts/ide
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