Is BP genetic?

My question is one that I've put to my GP and not received a satisfactory answer to.  I am concerned that my 12 year old son is showing signs of being bp, I do not know whether this is because of learned behaviour from living with me or whether he may actually have bp.  His moods have always been very erratic and he can get very violent and aggressive yet he does not have adhd, behaviour problems or learning problems.  The way he is at school is fantastic yet when he comes home he becomes a completely different child - I was just the same at his age.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Helen

[4afriend]

Mental illness can be hereditary.  Not to say that Bipolar Disorder itself would be passed from one generation to the next.  We tend to have that trait in our family is why I wanted to comment when I saw your post.  My grandmother suffered from manic depression, my uncle is paranoid schizophrenic, my mother is bipolar, my cousins son (on my mothers side they believe has a form of schizphrenia.. he's been under a dr's care for several years and they are still working with him as of yet)  I myself deal with "situational" depression.  I can understand your curiosity in regards to your sons behavior and children are difficult to diagnose.  Unfortunately, an illness or learned behaviors all could be possiblities, not to mention if he feels he's holding emotion in while in school (to be good and behave) he may just be needing that release once he is home.  I'd say the only good thing you could do for him, and for your own peace of mind, is to have him seen by a professional.  Good luck and best wishes to you and him!  

[bernie40]

Thank you for replying.  I shall have to speak to the GP again, I've tried talking to my pdoc but I get the feeling that because I have a mental illness nothing I say is taken seriously - luckily my GP knows me well and knows I am an intelligent woman.  My eldest son is already having help with "anger problems", but I think that is more situational and I don't have any real worries about him, he is a pretty laid back kid and he has only got stressed recently because of exams.  My 2 daughters are also pretty consistent regarding moods so it makes my second son's mood swings all the more noticeable.

I shall take your advice.

Thanks.

Helen

[4afriend]

Glad to hear that you will be talking to your GP.  I'm upset to hear that your pdoc isn't taking the matter seriously.  ANY person should be taken seriously by a physician regardless of any condition the person may have. I'm in the medical profession and I have seen that happen there as well as in my own personal experiences with my family.  No I do not think that drs. are God and can forsee and heal everything, but I do know that they are professionals who should always trust the patient and be obligated do every test and exam possible to ensure that nothing is wrong. Oh that was a little rant, but geesh that is frustrating!  Best wishes to you and yours!

[RubyShooz]

Yes, my mother is bp, my son has clinical depression, I have a first cousin and a nephew who are both depressed.  Those are the ones I know about, there may be others.  As for myself, I have bipolar.  Unfortunately, I believe mental illness can have the possibility of being passed on within a family.  Not everyone will be affected, of course, but in my experience if there is one person in a family with a mental disorder, there are usually others in the same extended family who also have some sort of mental disorder.

[BipolarBear75]

Hi, I totally think it is....I mean first of all....why do they (the docs) ask you if you have any mental illness in your family? Secondly, my dad's family has alot of mental illness within...himself included(bipolar).....and then I have bipolar as well and my son has ADHD but has appointment with mental health clinic in CHEO to check for bipolar. I don't think that is a coincidence.

Although, that being said, I don't think that it has to be the same mental illness through the genetic pool...I think it can diversify.....like bipolar, ADHD and so on...panic attacks in one person, unipolar depression in another.....you know? That is just my opinion.

[shortcircuited]

Relatives of someone with bp have a higher chance of having it than the average person, but not by much.  Even identical twins might not both show symptoms, so the environment has something to do with it, too.

[bernie40]

Thanks for all your responses.  I am seeing my doctor tomorrow and hopefully will get a chance to speak to her about it.  I shall let you know.