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Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood and activity levels.
It also affects a person’s energy, thoughts, behavior, and ability to function in daily life.
Is bipolar disorder hereditary?
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What is the role of genetics in bipolar disorder?
Is Bipolar Disorder Hereditary?
Bipolar disorder is considered one of the most heritable mental health conditions.
Research suggests that genetics accounts for between 60% to 80% of the cause of the condition.
While the role of heredity is clear from family and twin studies, further research is needed.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Genetics vs.
In addition, the majority of people with these “at-risk alleles” do not have bipolar disorder.
As noted above, how much a person responds to drugs such as lithium may run in the family.
Should You Have Children If You Have Bipolar Disorder?
This is a question that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer.
There are many medical conditions that may have a hereditary aspect.
Individuals must decide for themselves what is best for them and their families.
In other words, there is not a single or even several gene variations that cause bipolar disorder.
Instead, it is a diverse combination of genes thatmayincrease a person’s susceptibility to developing bipolar disorder.
A family history of the disorder is not a reason to put off becoming a parent.
Kerner B.Genetics of bipolar disorder.Appl Clin Genet.
2018;48(11):1759-1774. doi:10.1017/S0033291717003440
