Bipolar Disorder

[PotentialPledge]

My father, grandfather and great aunt were bipolar. As far as I know there is no cure and my father takes lithium and about 10 other different medications plus sees a psychiatrist. Even though I am not bipolar I am afraid I may pass it along in my genes and thus probably won't have children (maybe adopt?). It is a very difficult disease to live with as a family member.

I think if you have children and any depression is in your family history, I would just setup the necessary support sytems If they showed signs of having it. My dad has it and Im still going to have children.

[KSig RC]

Originally posted by aggieAXO
My father, grandfather and great aunt were bipolar. As far as I know there is no cure and my father takes lithium and about 10 other different medications plus sees a psychiatrist. Even though I am not bipolar I am afraid I may pass it along in my genes and thus probably won't have children (maybe adopt?). It is a very difficult disease to live with as a family member.

The current "theory" is that bi-polar syndrome is marginally gene-based - this means that the potential for being bi-polar is passed along, but very specific environmental triggers need to be present to express it in a person.

I wouldn't limit yourself from having kids, just due to the chance that they may inherit bi-polar traits - the same way that you are not bi-polar, your children may not be either.

[Dionysus]

I agree w/ PotentialPledge and KSig RC, I think it is a little extreme not to have biological children in fear they will have or get bipolar disorder. Also, medications are improving, including psychiatric ones. Perhaps, it may be easier to treat in the future.

[aggieAXO]

It weighs heavily on my mind if I were to have kids. I have seen my own brother struggle with severe depression-yes some of it probably was environmental dealing with my dad, but I can't help to think some of it is genetic. I am not sure if I would want to take the chance with my own kids.