I am bipolar would it be ethical...?

Question

I had my daughter before I found out I was bipolar. Would it be ethical and moral to have another child knowing that I am putting them at risk for this disease?

Answer 1

Here is a good article on bipolor genetics and risks to your children. Personally, I think that there are SO many genetic factors that we may pass on to children....if we really started deciding to not have children based on something that may or may not happen....we may run into a prob!

http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/risk.htm

Answer 2

Since I'm living around a bipolar person, I do know that bipolar people can be totally unpleasant to be around (for the entire family) some of the time. They also are really unhappy. If I were in your situation, I wouldn't run the risk of having another child if he could get bipolar disorder. In fact, even though my sister is bipolar and not I, I still would hesitate to have a child for fear of passing the trait down to a child. I wouldn't want to subject my family to living around a bipolar person, and nor would I want to doom a child to a potentially miserable life.

That is just my opinion, and bipolar disorder is not the only psychological problem my sister has, so I might be biased on my opinion.

Answer 3

My brother had his son before he found out he had bipolar disorder. He was misdiagnosed for five years. His son just started third grade and he's a very bright boy. You don't know what the future holds and don't let this disorder stop you from considering having another child down the road. Bipolar disorder is very treatable and research is getting better all the time. We have come a long way in understanding it more so than we did 30 years ago. I think you and your daughter will be fine as well any additions you plan to make to your family.

Answer 4

I think that people in general have mental disorders of some sort. I think that you would beat yourself up for the rest of your life if you did not fulfill your need to have another child. I am also bipolar, and I found out recently. I have three children that are 10, 13, and 15. They have been through and seen a lot b/c of my problems but I wouldn't take back the fact of having them in my life for anything. They also feel that they are very happy that they have been brought into this world, even if their momma has mental issues. I would say, "Go for it!" The same question could be asked of someone who had diabetes or some other genetic disease. Good luck!
Deb

Answer 5

I agonized over this decision for myself. My doctor, the head honcho at Stanford Bipolar Clinic encouraged me that if I have a bipolar child I would actually improve the gene pool. Bipolar people have contributed incredible things to the world, especially in the arts. I concluded that he was right, and we went on to have a baby. If he develops bipolar I will be very sad, but I will be able to help him cope as I have learned to cope. It's not a death sentence, or a horrible life. Not fun at times, and often challenging, but I take responsibility for my actions and don't make excuses for my bad behavior. I will teach him to do the same, bipolar or not. I think it's ethical to have a baby. The odds are still huge that they will be healthy.

Answer 6

I knew I was bipolar and i still had a beautiful boy (just turned 5) Sometimes I feel guilty but everyone that I talked to that has had a bipolar mother has said they would have much rather had a bipolar mother than not be alive or not have a mother. They love their mothers and it teaches the children to maybe be a little more understanding and sensitive to other people with disorders and disabilities. Have a baby and love them every day and they will love you forever. Anybody who says different has no idea what it is like...dont listen to them.

Answer 7

I don't see the problem with having more children. You would know what to watch for and if you seen any signs developing you could seek help right away for the child. With all of the medication and help that is available, bipolar people can live a very good life.

Answer 8

You need to ask yourself this question, knowing you have bipolar and knowing how most of your days go, due to you having bipolar, do you feel your able to function well and are okay with having it? Because yes their is a chance of passing it along to your children.

I have NF 1 and if I have any kids there is a 50% chance I'd pass it to one. I know what NF 1 is like, and it isn't something I would want to pass along to anyone, but that's my choice.

But there is a chance that you may not pass it along. Out of all my closest family, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins aunts and uncles, none of them have NF which is a hereditary disorder normally passed down from parent to child.

Answer 9

Yes.

Answer 10

yes, because Life is more important than any illness and medication can control it if it is inherited