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Studies show there's about a 1% chance that an average person will have bipolar disorder. They say that increases to 10% if there's a family history of bipolar disorder.
Does this hold true for your family?
In my case, I'm 47 years old, so my parents and grandparents would not have been diagnosed. But some of the traits are there in a few relatives. And out of 5 kids, one of mine is bipolar.
How about others? The incidence of bipolar disorder in your families?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: GJ Gregory,
I'm the same age as you so my parents and grandparents were also not diagnosed; but my Dad shows signs of bipolar (and has been diagnosed with depression in the past) and he has told me that his grandmother was probably bipolar too and had many episodes of possible psychosis in his memory. His depression was a psychotic episode though his highs are more hypomanic than manic. My eldest son shows definite signs of bipolar as far as I'm concerned but is unwilling to talk to anyone about it and as he is coping to some extent and even seems to be getting his life in order now I'm not prepared to push things and insist. He is 26 and lives away from either me or his father so he will have to manage for himself. If that sounds harsh it isn't meant to - I love him dearly and would love to be able to take the problems away from him but I am very aware (from my own experience) that you have to be ready to deal with your illness before anyone can help you and that pushing someone into treatment which they are resisting won't help things (unless there is a full blown psychotic episode going on of course.) So far the other 2 kids (24 and 21 seem to be ok thank goodness.
Posts: 7 | Location: Yorkshire, England | Registered: 04-27-2006
GJ, I know your original message was posted back in April but when I found it I was surprised because I have been thinking about the mental health of my mother's and father's families. It has been difficult admitting to myself how common it is in both sides of my family. cindy
This message has been edited. Last edited by: cinnyme,
I was diagnosed with a manic episode secondary to mefloquine (a drug used to prevent malaria) - about five years ago. In early 2006, I had a second manic episode - this one with psychotic features - leading to my diagnosis of Bipolar I. I have no family history of depression, but do have a cousin with rapid cycling bipolar - triggered by taking prozac for depression.
