Is Bipolar Disorder Hereditary?
Bipolar disorder seems to run in families. Are there certain genes that can be passed down that cause bipolar disorder? Is bipolar disorder hereditary?
It seems that if one person in a family has bipolar disorder, that another member in that family will be diagnosed with the same mood disorder at some point. Although environment can affect whether or not a person develops a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, more studies are finding a greater percentage of children developing illness if one or both parents have such.
Bipolar disorder is thought to be from a chemical imbalance of ion activity in the brain. Whether this imbalance is brought about solely by genetics or stressful conditions in the environment, or a combination of the two, remains to be discovered.
There are some environmental factors that can influence if someone develops bipolar disorder, including abuse, stress, illnesses and trauma. These events can actually alter the ways chemicals act in the brain, leading to mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
Since bipolar disorder seems to run in families, it leads researchers to believe in a genetic component. A child has a 25% chance of developing bipolar disorder if one parent has it. This increases to 50-75% if both parents have the disorder.
So far, blood tests and brain scans are not very accurate in diagnosiing bipolar disorder. For now, a physician mostly depends on the accuracy of patient accounts in mood and lifestyle to make a diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder may be hereditary as scientists believe there is a link between certain genes and chromosomes in those with bipolar disorder. Studies will need to be done to prove this theory. If a genetic link could be found, a test could be developed to see if a person could be susceptible to developing bipolar disorder. This would alert a family physician to take special notice of changes during regular check-ups.
So although researchers haven't proven a specific gene or chromosome or combination leads to the development of this mood disorder, there is mounting evidence that bipolar disorder is hereditary.
RESOURCE:
http://www.bipolarworld.net/Bipolar%20Disorder/Articles/heredity.htm
It seems that if one person in a family has bipolar disorder, that another member in that family will be diagnosed with the same mood disorder at some point. Although environment can affect whether or not a person develops a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, more studies are finding a greater percentage of children developing illness if one or both parents have such.
Bipolar disorder is thought to be from a chemical imbalance of ion activity in the brain. Whether this imbalance is brought about solely by genetics or stressful conditions in the environment, or a combination of the two, remains to be discovered.
There are some environmental factors that can influence if someone develops bipolar disorder, including abuse, stress, illnesses and trauma. These events can actually alter the ways chemicals act in the brain, leading to mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
Since bipolar disorder seems to run in families, it leads researchers to believe in a genetic component. A child has a 25% chance of developing bipolar disorder if one parent has it. This increases to 50-75% if both parents have the disorder.
So far, blood tests and brain scans are not very accurate in diagnosiing bipolar disorder. For now, a physician mostly depends on the accuracy of patient accounts in mood and lifestyle to make a diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder may be hereditary as scientists believe there is a link between certain genes and chromosomes in those with bipolar disorder. Studies will need to be done to prove this theory. If a genetic link could be found, a test could be developed to see if a person could be susceptible to developing bipolar disorder. This would alert a family physician to take special notice of changes during regular check-ups.
So although researchers haven't proven a specific gene or chromosome or combination leads to the development of this mood disorder, there is mounting evidence that bipolar disorder is hereditary.
RESOURCE:
http://www.bipolarworld.net/Bipolar%20Disorder/Articles/heredity.htm
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile
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