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Can Bipolar Depression Be Genetic

Bipolar Disorder And Trauma

Can you inherit bipolar disorder or depression?

While bipolar disorder likely isnt caused by external factors such as stress and trauma, these factors can trigger manic or depressive periods in those with this condition.

For example, for a child, living with a parent who has bipolar can be very hard. The parent may do or say things to make the child feel scared, confused, sad, or angry. Multiple studies suggest that children of adults with bipolar are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance use and aggressive behavior. Living in a home in which one or both parents have unmanaged bipolar disorder is a highly stressful environment, particularly for a child whose emotional development hinges on them feeling safe and secure. These environmental factors, along with the childs increased risk of developing bipolar due to genetics, may trigger manic and depressive episodes.

Chromosome 10q26 Deletion Syndrome

The chromosome 10q26 deletion syndrome is characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability, short stature, small head, and characteristic facial features. Cardiac, renal, and genital abnormalities have been described in some individuals.87 Rapid mood swings are common: eg, very affectionate behavior could unpredictably turn into aggressive and provocative actions.88 Hyperactivity and attention deficits are also common.89,90 Poor speech and language development, as well as autistic traits, have been described. Cognitive impairment is highly variable and can range from mild learning disabilities to severe mental handicap and absent speech. Familial transmission has been described,91 and in these instances the risk could be as high as 50%.

Causes Of The Condition

With bipolar disorder, extreme mood changes occur. The shifts can influence a persons energy, mood, behavior, and level of functioning.

An individual can experience mania , hypomania , or major depressive episodes.

While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unclear, research indicates genetic and environmental factors as possible contributors.

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Biography Of Mauro Giovanni Carta

Professor Mauro Giovanni Carta completed his fellowship in Psychiatry and post-graduated from the University of Cagliari, Italy . Prof. Carta currently holds the following key positions: Full Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Cagliari Head of the Liaison Psychiatric Unit at University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy Co-chairman at WHO-Geneva and University of Cagliari agreement for implementing the Quality Rights Project in the Mediterranean Area Head of a Collaborating Unit, Chafea European Union, Joint Action on Mental Health, University of Cagliari President of the Mediterranean Society on Mental Health. He, as an author, has been involved in the publication of more than 200 articles in various international journals.

Summary Of Epidemiological Family Twin And Adoption Studies

Genes help determine patients

Family, twin, and adoption studies provide an impressive and consistent body of evidence supporting the existence of genes determining predisposition to bipolar disorder and show a gradation in risk of mood disorder in relatives of bipolar probands in the order of: monozygotic co-twin, first degree relative, unrelated member of the general population. Although there are many methodological impediments to producing a consistent quantification of risk, the figures given in table may be taken as an âorder of magnitudeâ guide to risk in different classes of relative and, provided appropriate caveats are made, are suitable for providing information to patients and their relatives.

Some regions of interest from molecular genetic linkage studies of bipolar disorder

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Triggers And Causes Of Bipolar Depression

Some people do not know they have the condition until something triggers their symptoms. The most common triggers of bipolar depression include:

  • Periods of high stress: These can include grief, loss or an otherwise traumatic event. Stress can trigger the first episode of bipolar depression or mania in some people.
  • Drugs and alcohol: Even a small amount of alcohol can make bipolar depression worse, while recreational drugs can trigger mania.
  • Lack of routine: Sticking to a daily routine is a good way to keep bipolar symptoms at bay.
  • Conflict: Fighting with a spouse or loved one can trigger a depressive phase in people with bipolar disorder.
  • Sleeping too much or too little: Sleeping too little has been known to trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, while too much sleep can cause bipolar depression.
  • Sensory overload: Lights, crowds, loud music and working too much can be triggers for people with bipolar disorder.
  • Quitting your medication: If you are being treated for bipolar disorder or depression, you should never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping an antidepressant or mood stabilizer can trigger symptoms and could have dangerous side-effects.

Chemical Imbalance In The Brain

Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain.

The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain’s functions are called neurotransmitters, and include noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine.

There’s some evidence that if there’s an imbalance in the levels of 1 or more neurotransmitters, a person may develop some symptoms of bipolar disorder.

For example, there’s evidence that episodes of mania may occur when levels of noradrenaline are too high, and episodes of depression may be the result of noradrenaline levels becoming too low.

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How To Find Treatment For Depression And Addiction

Many people that are depressed self-medicate to deal with their symptoms. They may be reluctant to come forward because they are afraid of what people think of them. They may not want to reach out because they dont think their issues are that bad or may not have the time or money to deal with them.

Instead of getting the help they need, they turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve their symptoms. This takes them on a vicious cycle that only makes matters worse.

Fortunately, there are facilities available that offer treatment for depression and addiction. They take a dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously addresses the condition and its underlying causes. This is an effective method in ensuring long-term recovery.

There are many centers that offer care for depression and addiction, but which one is right for you? You can spend hours trying to find the perfect option, or you can save yourself time by contacting Atlanta Recovery Place first.

Seeking Treatment For Bipolar Disorder With Fhe Health

Bipolar Disorder, Genetics, and the Brain (12 of 15)

FHE Health specializes in treating bipolar disorder and helping those with this condition manage their symptoms, reduce the severity of manic and depressive episodes, and enjoy a sustainable lifestyle. Our treatment method incorporates medical interventions, psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to help individuals improve their quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about treatment and begin the treatment process.

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Ways To Manage And Treat The Condition

Fluctuations in mood can significantly impact a persons quality of life and productivity, especially when the condition is untreated. While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, treatment can help manage symptoms.

Treatment for bipolar disorder consists of medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.

Can Environmental Stress Increase The Risk Of Bipolar Disorder

People are sometimes diagnosed with bipolar following a stressful or traumatic event in their lives. These environmental triggers can include seasonal changes, holidays, and major life changes such as starting a new job, losing a job, going to college, family disagreements, , or a death in the family. Stress, in and of itself, does not cause bipolar disorder , but in people with the biological vulnerability to bipolar disorder, having effective skills for managing life stresses can be critical to a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid things that can aggravate the illness .

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Can Genetics Affect Mental Health Treatment

Depression can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, and other interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy . Some people may be prescribed a combination of treatments.

Your genes may influence how well a specific treatment works for you. For example, research has indicated that certain genes might affect how well your body absorbs, uses, and excretes alcohol and drugs, including antidepressant medications.

Several genes are known to influence drug metabolism, but the results from these studies are primarily of interest to doctors and researchers.

While some consumer genomic test kits provide information about topics like drug metabolism, genomic testing is not the same as genetic testing.

Furthermore, doctors and scientists don’t fully know how useful this information may be for consumers. Talk to your doctor before using your genomic health information to make decisions about your health care, including your depression treatment.

Additional research is needed to understand what findings from genetic studies could mean for antidepressants as well as other medications used to treat depression.

Genetics factors aside, if you’ve been diagnosed with depression and are trying to , keep in mind that the process can take time. You may need to try more than one type of therapy before finding the right fit. You might even need to adjust or change your treatment plan over time.

Is Bipolar Disorder Caused By A Single Gene

Study suggests bipolar disorder has genetic links to autism ...

Bipolar disorder is not caused by a single gene. Rather, many gene variants and factors are involved in the development of bipolar disorder for someone who has a family history.

Other environmental factors also play a role in triggering the onset of bipolar disorder in people with a genetic risk, but appear to contribute to a lesser degree.

study , researchers evaluated the family histories of people with bipolar I disorder to see how often the disorder appeared.

In total, they looked at 156 participants with bipolar disorder and their family members:

  • Among 57 participants, bipolar disorder was detected in a first degree relative: parents, siblings, and children.
  • Among 22 people, the condition was detected in a second degree relative: grandparents, aunts and uncles, or neices and nephews.
  • In 14 participants, it was detected in third degree relatives and beyond: cousins, great grandparents, and great uncles and aunts.

Similar results appeared regardless of whether the genetic risk came from the mothers or fathers side of the family.

suggests that people with a family history of bipolar disorder may be more likely to experience:

  • earlier onset of symptoms

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Is Bipolar Hereditary Possible Genetic & Biological Links

Reviewed by Heather Cashell, LCSW

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders and affects millions of people worldwide, but did you know that having a family member with the disorder may increase the risk of it? This article will discuss the possible connection between genetics and bipolar disorder and other implications that it may have.

Does Bipolar Disorder Run In Families?

Studies show that genetics can certainly be a factor when it comes to someone developing bipolar disorder.

According to the Black Dog Institute, approximately 80 percent of all cases of bipolar disorder are hereditary, and if one parent has bipolar disorder, this increases the likelihood of their child developing the condition later in life by approximately 10 percent.

Now, if both parents have the condition, its estimated that this increases the odds to 40 percent.

In addition to parents, when taking a look at twin studies, its estimated that the chances of both having bipolar disorder could be up to 60 to 80 percent.

These types of statistics show that the odds of someone having bipolar disorder increases based on how close the relative is – people who have a parent or a sibling with the condition are more at risk.

It is also rare that the disorder affects multiple family members across different generations, and many cases of bipolar disorder are isolated ones.

What Genetic Mechanisms Are Responsible For Bipolar Disorder?

References

Genetics And Bipolar Medications

A separate issue that has been noted with our newer understanding of genetics is that genetics may play a role in how a person responds to medications for bipolar disorder. For example, those with two inactive copies of the CYP206 gene may be poor metabolizers of drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole. As noted above, how much a person responds to drugs such as lithium may run in the family.

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Does Knowing My Family History Help

If members of your family have been treated for bipolar disorder, it can be useful to know which treatments have or have not worked for them. Just remember that you are still an individual, and theres no substitute for finding the treatment that works best for you.

At the end of the day, theres nothing you can do about your genesbut you can do something about your other risk factors. You can remove yourself from toxic environments, practice healthier habits, and seek treatment and support.

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How Genes Influence Bipolar Disorder

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In genetic testing, bipolar patients showed an increased expression of genes associated with the condition. Genetic predisposition doesnt necessarily mean one is guaranteed to have bipolar disorder, but it does increase the odds of diagnosis. Genetics account for between 6080% of the cause of bipolar disorder.

However, it is important to distinguish between the potential for genetic exposure to a condition and the likelihood of developing it. Even if you have a family member with bipolar disorder, it doesnt guarantee that you will develop it yourself. When we consider the plethora of genetic material we are connected to from both sides of our family of origin, it is statistically possible to have any number of manifestations. Scientists are exploring potential abnormalities in particular gene sequences that may influence the development of bipolar.

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Coping With Bipolar Depression

Dr. Daramus suggests some strategies that can help you cope with bipolar depression:

  • Monitor your symptoms: Track your symptoms on a chart. It can help you identify the first signs of a new depressive episode, whether your medication is working, and what coping skills are helping you the most.
  • Create a safety plan: Bipolar depression is dangerous and has to be taken seriously. Rates of suicide and self-harm are very high, so you absolutely do need a plan for what to do if those urges ever happen. Have a safety plan and share it with your therapist, prescriber, and some supportive friends and family members.
  • Stay in touch with your healthcare provider: Make sure you report any symptoms or side effects youre experiencing to your healthcare provider. Dont stop taking your medications without discussing it with them first.
  • Seek support: During a depressive episode, you may find yourself withdrawing from people and isolating yourself. However, its important to surround yourself with loved ones and seek their help when you need it.
  • Stay active: Try to stay active and get some exercise every day. Go for a walk, jog, swim, or bike ride, or do any other activity you prefer.

How Common Is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic-depressive disorder, causes dramatic fluctuations in the individuals mood and energy levels. While everyone experiences ups and downs due to causes such as hormones, the weather, and stress, those with bipolar experience strong mood swings that can make it very difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Based on the most recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health, about three percent of U.S. adults were diagnosed with bipolar in the past year, and a little over four percent of adults are diagnosed with this condition at some point in their lives. Its equally prevalent in males and females, with 2.9 percent of males and 2.8 percent of females having this disorder.

While this disease affects a relatively small portion of the population, especially compared to conditions such as depression and anxiety, its symptoms are often very disruptive. An estimated 83 percent of adults with bipolar disorder experience serious impairment, which is the highest percentage of serious impairment across all mood disorders. About 17 percent of individuals have moderate impairment.

Adolescents are diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a similar rate as adults. Information gathered in the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement shows that among those aged 13-18, 2.9 percent have bipolar and 2.6 percent experience serious impairment. Among this age group, bipolar is a little more common in females versus males .

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Dr Kay Jamison: Can Bipolar Be Genetic

After leaving UCLA, Jamison became increasingly interested in the study of molecular biology in regards to mental disorders. Specifically, Jamison was interested in hereditary lines of mental illness and whether exposing a predisposition to manic-depression could save lives. Patients with the genes could be diagnosed earlier, possibly even before symptoms appeared. Treatments could be more specifically targeted, which would make them more effective and less invasive.

Jamison had plenty of personal history to draw from. On her fathers side, the lineage of mental illness stretched three generations. She wondered whether knowing she had the genetic coding for manic-depression would have changed her life. She also wondered if the advantages would have outweighed the negatives.

One negative aspect of understanding the genetic implications of mental illness is the reductive opinions of doctors. Jamison experienced this type of prejudice when still in Los Angeles.

On the advice of a colleague at UCLA, Jamison went to see a new physician. After the examination, the doctor asked Jamison whether she was considering having children. Jamison answered honestly that she was. In response, the doctor said that the world didnt need more people with her disorder.

What Is The Relationship Between Depression And Genetics

Is Bipolar Genetic And Do I Have It?

Many of us experience depression occasionally. But for some of us, the emotion is ongoing. It can come about for seemingly no reason and last for days, weeks, months, or years. It can get in the way of a person being able to perform the most basic tasks. For years, researchers have been trying to uncover the causes of depression, and the relationship between depression and genetics. Once they get to its underlying roots, they are better prepared to come up with a solution. It has been proven that people who have a close family member who is dealing with depression will be more likely to develop it themselves. This article will look at the relationship between depression and genetics so you can see how the two relate.

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