What are the chances of a child being bipolar (type 2) if one parent is but not the other?

Question

Also, do you know how early (at what age) signs of it would be apparent? My mother said looking back there were signs but that she didn't know what it was -ie: I was a very moody child.

Answer 1

While the risk is higher than the general population or if neither parent had bipolar disorder, I know of no study that actually gives a numerical percentage of increase in risk. In general, it remains far less than 50-50.

It would not necessarily help you, anyway. Your child is going to grow up with challenges, as do all children. They are also lucky that you are watching out for their health and functioning.

As for definite signs, symptoms can show up anywhere from around age 4 to age 30, and although there are many signs that bipolar disorder has gone unrecognized in children for a number of years, the reason this occurred was that there are a number of explanations that can address the symptoms that arise. Moodiness can mean nutritional, allergic, environmental problems as well as mental health issues. Behavior problems are often better addressed with increasing the parents' & teachers skills in managing them.

If you look at your child and just seeing the potential for a bipolar problem will prevent you from seeing the positive things that they accomplish and the love you can share. Be aware of the risk, but also that it's less than 50-50. You've got a lot of things to help teach your child, and only perhaps will one of them be how to manage a bipolar condition.

Answer 2

I know with most gentical things one sex has a higher chance of passing it to there children than the other, in most cases it is the male. If you speak to a doctor they should be able to tell you which sex is more dominant for passing on the bipolar gene.