Bi-polar Disorder?

Question

Is bi-polar disorder genetic? And if so, can it begin to surface later in life? Like in the early thirties? I know someone whose mother is bi-polar and recently the daughter has been having mood swings - but she wasn't like that when she was younger. Just wondering.

Answer 1

Bipolar is a physical disease and it is genetic. The symptoms can become more evident in life later, or they may show up as early as four years old. My son was four when he was diagnosed. I was 42, when 3 psychiatrists decided that it wasn't depression I had but Bipolar instead. It is best treated with medication and talk therapy. This will even out the highs and the lows for the most part, so the person lives a normal life with a biorhythym like everyone else. Occasionally, a Bipolar may have a relapse, but usually there are warning signals to watch for beforehand. It is learning these, that are most helpful to the person, so the person can see his/her doctor and forestall the relapse. But nothing is easy being Bipolar so I wish you luck!

Answer 2

I did a special study on bi-polar in college in Salt Lake City UTAH. I can tell you that there is no proof that it is genetic ,only that it is possible, but the doubt still remains. What is most likely happening is that the disorder the mother has is causing stresses on the daughter. People with the disorder have mood swings that can put them in life threatening situations, they sometimes have to be taken for help against their wish. The best thing to do is for the daughter to realize that the problem the mother has is the mother's problem, and that she (the mother ) should be treated with anti-depressants right away, or other problems might arise, even feelings of guilt on the part of other family members as is happening now. This problem should be taken seriously, and protection for the daughter should always be there, since many people with this disorder are known to have used drugs or are active users and that is something else that needs treatment also ; if that is the case. Good Luck- San Diego California.

Answer 3

As you have probably figured out by now, it is widely known as fact that bipolar disorder is genetically linked. Bi polar disorder can appear at any time, however, it has usually been there all along and the person being diagnosed can pick out moments from the past that were episodes.

Denial is common in bipolar people, it is VERY hard to admit that something is wrong. It would not be unusual for this person to be trying to hide any problem because she doesn't want to admit that she is not normal. (Or that she is living every daughter's nightmare, turning into her mother!)

It seems as if you are looking for advice on how to approach her, so my advice (from personal experience) is to take her out to lunch and just let her know that you see changes in her, you don't want to push her but feel that she should see a doctor. If she resists, than let her know that you are there to support her.

That is the most important thing, knowing that you have the support of someone who is not pushy and understands.

I would also let you know, to pass on to her as well, that being bipolar does not mean that you need to be on medication. There are many alternative ways to battle the mood swings. (I have Rapid cycling bipolar disorder "the worst kind" and am managing without meds for 4+ years now, I was diagnosed at 20 yrs old.)

Feel free to message me for more info!
Good Luck!

Answer 4

Bipolar does have a genetic link. If one parent is Bi-polar there is a 50% chance of at least one child becoming Bi-polar later on in life. Now add two parents that either have Bi-polar or it runs in the family, and now your child has an 80% chance of becoming Bi-polar. With medication and support you can live a very healthy life but you have to realize that it is a disease and you need to take medication on a daily basis.

Answer 5

i am bi polar and it is known to be genetic i have suffered with it since i was 16 i am now 45 i can say it can take up to 2 -3 years to really get a clear diagnosis there is bi polar 1 and bipolar 2 mood swings don't really suggest that she has bi polar disorder just because her family member has it ..also mental illness does not show up in your 30s or fortys all the sudden

Answer 6

I have bipolar disorder and it showed up in my early 30s. I've read that it is genetic and it shows up normally in your late teens to late 20s.

Your friends daughter should see a psychiatrist. She may be lucky enough to have caught it early. She could get medicated before it makes any major life changes for her like it did for me.

Answer 7

yes bipolar & other mental health issues are in the genes my grandfather is scitsofrenti {probably spelled wrong} my fsther is bipolar my sister was scitsofrentic im bipolar and my son has adhd thats proof enough for me that its genetic and yes it can appear later in life though its usually in early adulthood however she my have had sympoms and went undiagnosed

Answer 8

i am almost 28 yrs old and was jst diagnosed with it.my doc says that it tends to hit women in late twenties early thirties. my mom and brother both have it so i assume that it is genetic.