December 2, 2011 | 
Author Is Bipolar Hereditary Or Not?
Is bipolar hereditary? This question has been frequently asked by people hoping to understand the effects of the bipolar disorder. The bipolar disorder is known to have a wide variety of symptoms; but until recently, those who suffered from this condition were often isolated as outcasts belonging in mental institutions. At present, the medical community has made progress in shedding light on this mental condition called bipolar disorder. But it seems that there are still some questions that have been left unanswered. These questions commonly revolve around the causes of the disorder and whether or not it is genetically passed on.
The many people asking, “Is bipolar hereditary?” has pushed the medical community to provide answers from research. There has been a recent discovery that mental conditions are influenced by a certain balance of chemicals found in the brain. The problem arises when there is chemical imbalance, and this can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms. Along with this discovery, researchers have found that the bipolar disorder is in fact hereditary.
So being bipolar can be passed down genetically–but the situation can be complicated. For example, there are many combinations needed for the passing down of genes, and these combinations need to be present for genes to promote the development of the disorder.
In considering the question, “Is bipolar hereditary?” research was done on parents with the disorder and their children, and on identical twins. For identical twins, if one has manic depression, there is 80% chance that the other also has manic depression. When both parents have the disorder, there is high probability of having children with the disorder, while if only one parent is bipolar and the other is not, there is a low probability of having children with the disorder.
With the advancement of molecular genetics, a clear understanding of how bipolar disorder is acquired will soon surface from all the research for the specific genes that cause it. Soon, “Is bipolar hereditary?” will be asked less frequently and there will be reasons why its symptoms differ with every individual as well as why its age of onset also differs with every individual. As of now, there are suggestions that mental disorders like the bipolar disorder are learned from families through childhood experiences. With such thinking, there is hope in actually unlearning the disorder.
Is bipolar hereditary? Whether bipolar disorder is hereditary or a lifestyle pattern acquired from experience, seeking medical advice is needed in assessing the extent of the mental state.
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