Is manic depression genetic/inherited? Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a mood disorder that causes sufferers to experience extreme mood swings from severe depression through to manic highs.
Manic depression is a relatively common illness that typically affects 1% of the adult population. Although most people suffer from mood swings from time to time, mood swings suffered by bipolar patients are much worse and can have a devastating impact on everyday life and close relationships.
Is manic depression genetic/inherited?
Scientists are not completely sure what causes bipolar disorder, but there is definitely a strong genetic link as the illness can often run in families. Many scientific studies on twins and children who have been adopted in early life have indicated that those who have a family member diagnosed with bipolar are at much higher risk of developing the disorder, irrespective of their upbringing; the same also applies to other common depressive illnesses.
What causes bipolar and is manic depression genetic/inherited?
Manic depression is a neurological disorder that scientists believe is caused by abnormalities in circuitry inside the brain. The disorder does have a tendency to run in families, but although studies have indicated that genetics are a major risk factor for the development of manic depression, there are also other factors involved as some cases of manic depression cannot be attributed to a family predisposition towards the illness.
Although manic depression is very strongly linked to genetic factors, there are many other things that can inadvertently cause bipolar and other mental health disorders, both physical and emotional. In terms of physical causes, some research has suggested that irregularities in the endocrine system can play a significant role in whether an individual will develop the illness. It is also thought that a developing foetus can be adversely affected by the mother’s nutrition, as well as her physical and mental health during pregnancy. Suffering from other illnesses can also trigger an episode of manic depression.
Lifestyle, social problems, and stress are other potential triggers for the illness, and for those who are already genetically predisposed towards developing the symptoms of bipolar, stress can be a major flash point. People who have had a dysfunctional childhood are also more at risk of developing mental health disorders, including manic depression as physical and emotional trauma can cause severe damage to the developing mind.
For some people, manic depression develops as a response to severe levels of emotional stress, and when life becomes unbearable, these people exhibit the symptoms of bipolar as a response to the stress.
Is manic depression genetic/inherited and should I be more aware if it runs in the family? For anyone with a family history of manic depression/bipolar, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms of the illness as well as potential triggers. Since stress is a major factor in bipolar, where possible stressful situations should be avoided, but in many cases, finding out as much information as you can about bipolar can help if you are at risk.
Recent Comments