2007-08-16 16:24:34 · 9 answers · asked by Ashley T 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It doesn't mean you actually will get it. Your mom having bipolar disorder does increase your chances of having it.
2007-08-16 16:29:55 · answer #1 · answered by kiki 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to The Mental Health Research Association, having one BP parent increases your odds by 15-30% and two BP parents raise it to 50-75%. There is definitely a genetic component, but other factors come into play. It may be that people inherit a series of slight alterations on a variety of genes making them more susceptible to the illness and that environment and psychosocial factors influence whether or not those genes are expressed (resulting in developing BP) or remain inactive. In studies of identical twins raised together and apart, the odds of both having it if one did are as high as 70%. But that is with identical DNA. If it were completely genetic, it would be 100%.
It would be a good idea to make healthy lifestyle choices including, and maybe most importantly, avoiding mood altering substances in order to minimize your risk.
2007-08-17 01:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having a family member with a mood disorder increases your risk of developing it in the same way that a family history of diabetes increases vulnerability to its appearance in you.
There are things that you can do to reduce your risk. Again, like diabetes - good diet, exercise, not smoking - behaviour that improves your physical health - doing stuff to maintain mindhealth is helpful - being active, staying off or keeping substance use to a minimum, stress management, staying connected to people, having a sense of purpose.
Having a family member affected by any kind of mental illness is really, really hard. On them and you. You're not alone. There are other families, spouses and kids, who navigate the pitfalls and who have used each other for support. You might find this helpful and can research local community or self help support groups for families of mental health system consumers through your community health centre or theough the net.
Good luck.
2007-08-16 23:56:54 · answer #3 · answered by sac_butt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My grandmother is bipolar, my mom is not, but I am bipolar. Just cause your mom has it doesn't mean you will as well. It does increase the chance that you could be bipolar. There really isn't a way to know if you will be bipolar or not. I wish I could have helped you more.
2007-08-16 23:32:02 · answer #4 · answered by Drea Z 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both my parents have bipolar diorder, and so do i. i am beginning to see some traits in my younger sister, too. i hear depression is hereditary, but i haven't heard anything on bipolar, and ive read several books. watch for things like staying up all night, having things in perfect order, acting out sexually, and of course being really giddy one minute and ready to bawl the next...also i read it is not to be diagnosed until you are fully matured ... 21+, because of normal teen hormones
2007-08-17 00:38:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, I don't know if u took heredity in school but you could be a carrier of the diseas and not have it or you could have it. Either way there is a possibility.
2007-08-16 23:31:32 · answer #6 · answered by emmy7465 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is some chance that you might, but maybe you won't.
2007-08-16 23:39:15 · answer #7 · answered by majnun99 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its most lickly
2007-08-16 23:33:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not definate. but it is possible.
2007-08-16 23:30:25 · answer #9 · answered by katizzzle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋