In population studies they found that there is a 10 percent risk that others in the nuclear family (father, mother, siblings) will have the disorder once one family member is diagnosed. Second degree relatives, such as grandparents, uncles, and aunts were found to have a four percent risk.

Another site to help clarify if needed:

bipolar disorder runs in families; it is the most genetic major psychiatric condition. It is more genetic than schizophrenia and major depression. If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, then there is a 10-15% likelihood that you will develop it. If you have a second-degree relative like a grandparent or aunt, then the likelihood is half that amount (5-10%).

Hi there,

my sister is a doctor and she has given me some details on the probabilities on heredity of mental illness.

My husband's bipolar illness is a genetic as my sister said and hubby's doctor.

When your parents have bipolar you have a 12% chance of having it too. Then for every brother / sister is an additional 8%.

My hubby's father is bipolar. His sister is bipolar and youngest brother also has a mental illness. My hubby's two aunts (one sister of his father and the other is sister of his mother) both are bipolar also. So that gives him 12 (for his father) 8 (sister) 8 (brother) 12 (for the 2 aunts) = 40% of acquiring it. His only brother who has no mental illness as of the moment has 48% of chance that he might develop it. We are actually seeing the symptoms already but still quite light. Hopefully when his baby gets born around march or april, he wont get too stressed about it.

But for your children, I guess they will have very low risk since you and your wife are not bipolar. =) no need to worry. Just remember to always take care of yourself and live a happy life. =) do not stress to much. Tell your wife. =).

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Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating states of depression and mania that follow each other in a repeating cycle. People with bipolar disorder may cycle through these states quickly or may experience long periods of depression or mania. Often one mood state predominates, while the other occurs only infrequently or briefly.

The following nutritional components may be beneficial. L-tyrosine plays a role in neurotransmitting systems, which may affect mental health conditions. St. John’s wort extract helps promote a positive mood and combats depression. The vitamin b complex 50 is made up of several vitamins that work well together to support nervous system health. Ginkgo biloba has been used to maintain peripheral circulation to the brain. Vitamin c, grape seed and green tea provide antioxidants that protect nerve cells and other parts of the body against free radical damage, a possible outcome of depression

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If you are concerned or unsure about your symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider for professional medical advice.

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