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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar's Heredity Effects

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Expert: - 7/7/2004


Question
Hello,
   I was wondering what you could tell me about how, and if, bipolar is passed on genetically.  Is it a dominant gene or a recessive gene?  I am the daughter of a bipolar woman and am wondering my risks of developing this disease. Also, if I do not become bipolar, would my children be at risk?  
   Thanks for any light you might shed on this issue.

Answer
The genes for Bipolar Disease has not as yet been identified, although most experts believe that there is a genetic influence. But a genetic influence always needs to be accompanied by other factors, whether psycho-social or not.

it is known that the adoption of the hypoglycemic diet helps Bipolar people because this is a condition often found in Bipolar people (insulin resistance) that tends to trigger excess stress hormones aggravating the illness. Thus one way of reducing the risk of developing bipolar disorder is by means of nutrition and in particular the hypoglycemic diet.

See also

Werbach,M.R.(1991), NUTRITIONAL INFLUENCES ON MENTAL ILLNESS, Third Line Pres,Inc.,Tarzana,Cal.    Chapter on Bipolar Disorder

As to the genetics of Bipolar Disorder see:

http://www.stanfordhospital.com/newsEvents/newsReleases/2003/03/bipolarKids.html

also Google search for <Bipolar Disease Genetics> for more information.

Jurriaan Plesman
Free Web Site
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Bipolar Disorder

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Volunteer

Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist

Expertise

Have worked as a psychotherapist for overv twenty years, dealing with many personality disorders

Experience

I have a degree in Psychology from the Sydney University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. I am also the author of “GETTING OFF THE HOOK” which deals with the nutritional and psychological treatment of personality disorders. It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. I am interested in the relationship between nutrition and behaviour, and as a Probation ans Parole Officer facilitated groups for offenders, many of whom were alcoholics and drug addicts, sex offenders or compulsive gamblers, as well as the whole gamut of “personality disorders”. I am also the ex-editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia Newsletter, a quarterly publication dealing with hypoglycemia and related health problems. Its web site, together with a shortened course of PSYCHOTHERAPY can be visited at: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Organizations
Editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia. Its web site is at:

http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Publications
Author of the book "Getting off the Hook", It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. Various articles in the Hypoglycemic Health Association's Newsletters

Education/Credentials
BA (Psych) (University of Sydney), Post Gad Dip Clin Nutr (International Academy of Nutrition)

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