Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 5/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: My 28yr old daughter has been diagnosed with bipolar, her
biological father/grandmother/great grandfather, all had
it. She has been sectioned 3 times for violent episodes,
what % chance does my grandson have? and does this increase
if he lives with his mother?

ANSWER: Hello Eleanor:

If the father of your grandchild has no history of bipolar disorder, any children will have approximately forty percent chance of inheriting this.  If the father is also bipolar, it increases to sixty-five percent, and adds five percent for each generation before him that also had bipolar disorder.

That said, the answer to whether living with his mother will increase his chances is no.  A bipolar mother is capable, if stable, of raising a child find.  The pre-disposition is born within.  A child's environment may cause the symptoms to occur sooner, but will not increase the over all chance of becoming bipolar.

         Joyce A. Anthony



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Are there any tests available for my grandson? Or do we
have to wait till puberty? Do we tell my grandson? ( at an
acceptable age)to warn him of the dangers of drink and
drugs etc

Answer
Eleanor:

There really are no tests available for bipolar disorder.  The only thing that you can do is watch his behavior and see what happens.  Symptoms can start early, not just in puberty.  Yes, when he gets old enough to understand, it is essential to talk with him about not only the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but also the chance he will pass on the disorder to his kids.

         Joyce A. Anthony