Is bipolar genetic in anyway?

Question

My mom is bipolar can this be inherited?

Answer 1

Yes, there is thought to be a genetic factor in bipolar disorder.

"Genetic researchers have pinpointed the first gene involved in bipolar disorder. The discovery of this gene seems to explain at least 10 percent of bipolar disorder cases."
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20030617-000001.html

If you have a bipolar relative, the chances increase that you might have the disorder also, although this is not always the case.

Answer 2

Yes, there is a genetic component, although it seems to need an environmental stressor to trigger it, so you may get away with it. If you do have a tendency to suffer from mood swings, then there are some actions you can take to help prevent it developing into Bipolar Disorder:

* Take Omega 3 (fish oil) supplements in large (like 5-6 x RDA) doses. This stuff does help to dampen out and regulate moods.

* Avoid stress if at all possible. This may be a lifestyle change thing, or maybe just go and work out the stress at the gym, because the exercise will help as well.

* Try to maintain a regular sleep pattern. This can be very important in the management of bipolar, and irregular sleep can be one of the triggering factors.

* Avoid antidepressants, particularly SSRIs like Prozac as they are known to trigger bipolar mania. If you are ever depressed enough to see a doc, make sure that they are aware that your mother is bipolar. If this means nothing to them, change doctor.

Answer 3

Bipolar d/o has a strong genetic component. Usually people who have it have a first or second degree relative with the disorder or with unipolar d/o (major depression). It is not a certainty that all children of someone with bipolar d/o will also develop the disorder. If your mother is bipolar, you will not necessarily become bipolar as well but one or more of your children may develop the disorder, your cousins may be bipolar, or your grandchildren may become bipolar. Or, one or more of these relatives may develop unipolar major depressive disorder.

Although the disorder can be very disturbing for those who have it, it can be well-controlled with a combination of medications. Some of the newer medications are much less harmful and have fewer side effects than older medications. Also, the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the medication regimen can help a person who is bipolar a great deal.

I am a psychologist, and my (adopted) 10 yr. old son has bipolar d/o, for which he has been taking medications for over 4 years. He has been very stable on his medications for over 2 years now, and his psychiatrist is a world renowned expert on early childhood onset bipolar disorder and autism.

To find out more about the disorder, just Google bipolar disorder. There are some excellent web resources on the disorder and its treatment.

Answer 4

The brief answer is "Yes", but just because your mom is bipolar doesn't mean you will be too. It has a way of skipping generations. But, with medication bipolar is not a bad condition at all. Check the web for the warning signs of bipolar disorder and if you see a pattern of them in your behavior, then talk to your doctor about your concerns. He/she will help you become regulated on medication to not have the symptoms of the disorder, but bipolar cannot be cured, so stay on your meds.

Answer 5

Definitely! Do some research on the Hemingway family. They have been devistated by Bipolar disorder. But don't worry, not everyone inherits it from their parents. You could very likely not end up with it.

Answer 6

Yes, depression and bipolar disorder, as well as other similar problems, can be inherited.

Answer 7

It does seem to be genetic as it is along the same lines as depression. It doesn't mean that because your mom has it you will get it but you have a better chance.

Answer 8

yes, there is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder (and to many other psychiatric illnesses)

Answer 9

It does seem to be a genetic thing.
But not to worry........... my dad had it.........I'm 36 and still sane. No signs of any manic depression or any other chemical deficiencies etc.
However I do believe that I am slightly crazy and that is the ONLY reason I have been able to weather the storms of life.
So....... don't worry!!!

Answer 10

Tendancies toward it can be inherited.

Mental problems are so slippery when it comes to pinning them down though: Some are caused by chemical imbalances, while others are things that are actually learned. And it's difficult to separate one from the other.