Manic Depression - Is it Hereditary?

Many women who have been diagnosed with Manic Depression sometimes long to have children, but often wonder what the chances are that they will pass it onto their children. They know all to well the effects of this disorder and hope to not pass it on to another generation. Studies have shown that manic depression is often found in the genes, and is passed down the bloodline. That statement does not necessarily mean you will pass it on, it means there is a chance.

If manic depression (also known as Bipolar Disorder) is found fairly often in your family history, your chances increase. People who have no history found in their genealogy have virtually no risk, less than 1%. If you have bipolar disorder, the approximate chances of you passing it to your child is 5-15%.

Approximately twenty five percent of adult bipolar patients report having their first manic episode before they were 20 years of age. There have been studies that have reported children as young as 5 years old showing signs of minor manic episodes. There is a lot of research being performed on manic depression. There are institutions reporting that they will soon be able to do a screening to determine if you do in fact carry the gene that may pass it on to your children.

If you believe your child may have bipolar disorder, a calm and nurturing environment can decrease the chances of your child having major manic episodes. This is a disorder that sometimes needs a trigger to in order to become progressive. A violent or stressful environment can cause trigger manic depression, and cause episodes to increase and become more severe. Be sure to stay in continuous contact with you physician to stay on top of the newest Bipolar Medications and treatment options available.