Is manic depression able to be passed on to children?

Question:

I worry about my children. Are there ways to diagnose manic depression in young without making too much into just normal adolescent behavior?

Answers:
It is widely believed that bipolar disorder/manic depression is genetic. It doesn't usually rear it's ugly head until later in life though, usually after the age of 25. If you are concerned about your children, you could have them see a therapist, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you really feel that they are spiraling out of control. If you take them to a therapist because of your own fears, they may end up resenting you for it.

Other Answers:
Manic depression is hereditary, but I think the diagnosis in children is BS unless the child is acting in some extreme range.

Try to keep the child occupied - they tend to be highly creative and intelligent.

Yes, you can pass it on...I know this first hand. And, yes, they can diagnos it if you take the kid to a specialty doctor versus a family doctor.

Yes. We pass on our DNA including the way our brains are wired.

yes it can be passed on...and a psychiatrist should be able to tell you whether or not your children have it...right now.... that doesn't mean that they won't develop it sometime in the future though.......

Manic Depression, now known as Bipolar Disorder, has genetic connections. The disorder tends to run in families. Studies have have indicated this. However, that is not to say everyone with a family history of it will develop it. Also those who have no family history may develop the disorder. Genetics are only one small part of the equation. Environment (stress), physical abnormalities in the brain, brain damage from injury and drug and alcohol abuse can induce or aggravate the disorder.

I live with bipolar disorder and am being treated. I have been working on a website to help others. My site is "Our Bipolar World" at:

http://www.geocities.com/tls3123283/index

You may want more information than I have prepared so far. For a complete rundown on bipolar disorder I suggest you visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The web address is shown below.

Sincerely,
Terry

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Is manic depression able to be passed on to children?

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