Only for those who know about schizophrenia and mental disorders?

Question

I am in my thirties and i am afraid to give birth because my mom was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 33.So far, I am the only (normal) in my family. My younger brother(28) is bipolar. I am also afraid for myself. What do you think about that. Do you have informations about this topic. Thank you

Answer 1

Well, if you are 33, and haven't come down with any thing yet, chances are you won't. Have that baby!! I know a Bipolar boy and he is delightful. It isn't a life sentence.

Answer 2

I am so sorry that you are in this dilemma. I haven't read any recent studies about heredity and the 2 diseases you mention but I worked as a R.N. on psychiatric units for over 20 years.

It is obvious that both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are caused by genetic defects. I talked to a psychiatrist about 10 years ago who had recently finished his psychiatric residency at the University of Minnesota. He said there were studies that showed that bipolar disorder could be inherited but not schizophrenia.

However, your family and others like yours that I have known through my work, indicate that schizophrenia can be inherited also. I say this because there is obviously a genetic defect that runs in your family and your mom has schizophrenia.

Usually, people start showing symptoms of schizophrenia in their teens and 20's. I wonder if your mother had schizophrenia before she was diagnosed with it? As far as I know, bipolar disorder always shows up by the time a person is 35 y/o.

I see your question as having 2 parts. What are the chances a baby you conceive will have either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; and what are the chances that you will develope either of these 2 illnesses?

I'm afraid that if you have a baby, there is a high possibility that it will have 1 of these 2 disorders. Some people would take a chance but I wouldn't. Both you and I know how hard a life a person has who has either of these illnesses will have. If I were you, I would try to adopt a healthy infant. I know that this can be expensive but I would look into this.

You don't say where you are in your 30's but if you are 36 or older I think you are safe from getting these illnesses.

My heart goes out to you and your family. God bless you.

Answer 3

Well my father, sister, and all of my aunts and uncles on my father's side have bipolar or some other type of mental disorder. They say the chances of passing it on are like 8% with one parent but I say differently. However, it could be that it skips you and your children. I would not tell you to not have children because they might have mental illness. Bipolar disorder is treatable and in the future we will know even more about it. You shouldn't worry about yourself because you should have gotten symptoms by now. Schizophrenia is a more severe condition and I can understand your concern.

However, I say to you that it shouldn't make you not have children. We are all different in this world and being bipolar creates some of the most creative people in the world. Most of the greatest artist, poets, and writers were bipolar. Many famous people are bipolar or have mental illness. Schizophrenia is something to be scared of but your child may not even devolop it. If he/she does, then you will still love it and work through the hardships and pull through. I plan on having kids and actually wouldn't mind if they were bipolar. It would be wonderful because i know what it is like and they would be just like their mommy. I'm even dating someone bipolar so our odds of having them would be even higher.

Bipolar and proud.

Answer 4

Schizophrenia usually starts and is diagnosed between 17 and 24 years . I think you have nothing to worry about. Ask your mom's Dr. why she got it so late....A hit to the head? Drugs? 33 is not a normal age unless she has had it since her early 20,'s. As far as being hereditary, don't worry. It can happen, but rarely. I am Bipolar. I think that sometimes that is confused with cyclothymia or drug abuse. Cyclothymia is the first stop before you reach Bi-polar D/O. Usually 20 -30 year old people get that first before full blown bi-polar. Don't worry and as long as you have no existing problems, need not to worry. (P.S. no one in my family was mentally ill) Good luck to you, Kitty

Answer 5

schizophrenia and bipolar tend to be diseases that are highly genetically influenced. however, if you are already in your 30s, chances are you have beaten the odds.

the thought of having children, whether or not there is a history of any sort of illness in your family, is a scary proposition. you always tend to think of the "what-ifs." i completely understand your concerns on bearing a child given the family history. i would definitely go talk to my gynecologist about your concerns and learn more about what he or she thinks about the genetic component. while it's not the same as having your own child, adoption is an option.

good luck with all of this. i know that it is scary and you've had to deal with much more than others with your family. everything will work out for you in the right way for you.

Answer 6

Sorry,but the RN who apparently no longer practices gave some misleading information. It IS now proven that genetic factors play a large role in our mental health. You and your offspring are most definitely predisposed to mental health problems. Just because it has not happened yet, does NOTmean it probably wont happen. Quite contrary..Pregnancy is very demanding of your mental health. In ways that the average person may not recognize. I suggest you talk it over with your physician. Also, on the upbeat side, mental health can be and IS treated with great successes today.Good luck!

Answer 7

I have an exgirlfriend who is still a really good friend of mine who has schizophrenia. She has been very open with it to me and has been able to answer all the questions I have had about it. She had once told me that it runs through a family. Her mom does not have any mentall disorder neither does her dad or brother, but she did once tell me that her grandmother did, or so thats what the symptoms lead up to. There is nothing to be afraid of. Talk to your doctor, tell him your worries and he will give you lots of information on it.

Answer 8

My mother is what I think an undiagnosed bipolar and maybe borderline personality disorder. I was diagnosed schizoaffective disorder which is schizophrenia and bipolar. I do worry about my son.

Answer 9

There are regrettably some Christians who think of "demons" reason psychological ailment in spite of the fact that there are additionally Muslims Taoists Buddhists Animists and Hindus who have faith this! some non secular people additionally declare that folk with psychotic circumstances are extra companies to demonic possession and that supposedly explains their "demonic" behaviour. in case you comprehend somebody with a psychological disease that could have a biochemical foundation get them to work out a physician first. take care of the actual motives besides as doing any scientific care and non secular healing for what different different aspects like drug abuse or submit aggravating syndromes that are inflicting the stress that triggers the psychosis. In some cultural contexts non secular healing rituals might help the affected person come out of their psychosis or gain some style of psychic decision that hinders extra breakdowns. no remember if demons are inner or exterior provide them and the guy compassionate therapy consistent with their truthfully scientific or psychological issues!

Answer 10

I would reccomend that you not let this keep you from having children. Schitzoprenia only occurs in about 2% of the general population. Although your mother has schitzoprenia, there is a fair chance your child will be perfectly normal like you are.