Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 11/14/2005

Question
I recently found out that both my fiance and I have relatives with bipolar disorder.  His father's brother has the disorder as well as my maternal grandmother's 1st cousin (her brother's child).  We both each have 1 parent that are Ashkenazi Jews (same side as the ones with the disorder).  I wanted to know if there are any tests we can take to see if we carry the genetics for it or the possibility of passing this disorder onto our children.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi . . .

Whilr there is growing understanding of the genetics of mood disorders I am not aware of any test that would allow you to determine the extent of the risk that any children you have with your fiance might develop bipolar disorder.  

You might want to sit down with gentic counselor and see if the odds could be calculated from the family history.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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