Question 1

how can parents of bipolar children cope and manage?

Accepted Answer

Challenging: It can be quite challenging being the parent of bipolar children. It is best to educate yourself about the illness (even medications). Finding extra support, such as through support groups can be beneficial. Nami is a good resource that can help with both. Both parents should also be consistent with their parenting. It is a team approach.

Question 2

can the children of bipolar parents have behavioral issues as well?

Accepted Answer

Any of us can: Have behavioral issues.  While not well understood by genetics experts, if one or both parents are bipolar it is more likely that a child may be as well.  If that is the case, family therapy may provide helpful communication skills development for all.  Peace and good health.

Question 3

can a kid automatically have bipolar tendencies, if his parent is bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: There are some symptoms that may indicate future affliction with bipolar disorder.  Children of bipolar parent are 14 times more likely to develop a bipolar disorder.

Question 4

can a kid have bipolar tendencies if their parent is bipolar, and not truly have it?

Accepted Answer

Certainly: Children raised by one or more bipolar parents learn to deal with life much like their parents creating chaos because, even though the situation may be uncomfortable they are familiar with the dynamics. Thus a child of a bipolar parent might be taken as bipolar.

Question 5

would it be possible that a kid have bipolar tendencies if their parent is bipolar and not have it?

Accepted Answer

Sure can: Well anyone can have bipolar tendencies, and if there is family history there is increased risk.  Some beleive bipolar has become grossly overdiagnosed, especially in children - there is a 70% overlap with adhd symptoms.  A good pediatric clinical psychological or pediatric psychiatric evaluation can help with proper assessment.

Question 6

how can i deal with a bipolar and alcoholic parent?

Accepted Answer

Set boundaries: Encourage him/her to get treatment and then set boundaries about how much you wish to interact with them while the illnesses are not managed.  You may wish to join a support group for yourself such as acoa or alanon.  It is important to take care of yourself as both of these illnesses tend to have a genetic component which makes self-care and boundaries even more critical.

Question 7

is bipolar disorder something inherited from parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes: For bipolar disorder, children who have one parent with the illness have a 15% risk of developing the disorder. Those who have two parents with bipolar have about a 50% risk. For depression, if someone has a parent or sibling with major depression, that person probably has a 2 or 3 times greater risk of developing the illness compared with the average person (or around 20-30% instead of 10%).

Question 8

how do i tell my parents i might have bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Ask for eval.: Tell your parents that you are concerned there is a problem. Tell them the symptoms that you are experiencing. Ask them to bring to you to see a mental health professional for evaluation and assistance. Take care.

Question 9

how can you tell my parents i might need to be tested for bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Can be helpful: Having an open dialogue with your parents or loved ones can be therapeutic. Discuss with them some of the symptoms you may have and why you may think you have it. Your parents may feel thankful that you came to them and may even be able to contribute to your treatment if you do have it. Open communication and support for mental health treatment is crucial.

Question 10

can i have some tips on bipolar disorder and how to tell parents:?

Accepted Answer

Just tell them.: Have you been definitely diagnosed with bipolar disorder? How long? Are you being treated with it. It is important that you tell your parents because they might be able to tell you if any one on both sides of their family have been diagnosed as well because this condition is inherited. It might be useful for your children as well.

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Doctor answers about:

Bipolar parents raising children

A member asked:

How can parents of bipolar children cope and manage?

A member asked:

Can the children of bipolar parents have behavioral issues as well?

A member asked:

Can a kid automatically have bipolar tendencies, if his parent is bipolar?

A member asked:

Can a kid have bipolar tendencies if their parent is bipolar, and not truly have it?

A member asked:

Would it be possible that a kid have bipolar tendencies if their parent is bipolar and not have it?

A member asked:

How can i deal with a bipolar and alcoholic parent?

A member asked:

Is bipolar disorder something inherited from parents?

A member asked:

How do i tell my parents i might have bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

How can you tell my parents i might need to be tested for bipolar?

A member asked:

Can i have some tips on bipolar disorder and how to tell parents:?

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