Bipolar Disorder/Risk of bipolar

Advertisement

Expert: Libby Bonner - 12/2/2007


Question
Hi.  I am wondering what the risk of giving a baby bipolar is.  I know this guy and both his parents seem to have a mental disorder bipolar/schizophrenia.  His sister (17) also is showing serious signs of bipolar.  He has absolutely no symptoms and is healthy - but is a diabetic.  My birth mom is bipolar/schizophrenic and so are 4 of her five sisters, possibly her mother, and I don't know beyond that, as I am adopted.  I know nothing about my birth father.  I have no symptoms of a mental disorder, either and am healthy except for ragweed allergies.



What would the chances be, if we were to get married and have children, of our children being bipolar?   thank you so much.

Answer
Check w/ a pyschiatrist.  

My own guess is that your history alone raises the risk considerably and that yours and his together raises it still higher.

You don't mention your ages. People of any age can contract a mental illness, but more cases begin between 15 and 25.

Bipolar Disorder

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Libby Bonner

Expertise

I can answers questions from family members of adult patients with serious mental illnesses. I am most familiar with bipolar disorder [manic-depression] and schizophrenia. I use principles of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill to provide clinical info, emotional support, and practical suggestions, including finances/insurance. Emphasis is on family health; family preservation and functioning; coping skills; and effective communications with patients [consumers] and with providers of services. I am not qualified to help families with patients under 18 I cannot answer questions about herbal remedies.

Experience

I have a daughter w/ bipolar illness. Have experience with clinical medicine/psychiatry through my work in a hospital library. I have taken and now monitor the NAMI Family to Family educational program and I facilitate NAMI family caring and sharing evenings.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.