A 40-year-old member asked:
What happens if a parent suffered major depressive disorder- are the risks the same for the child to suffer either bipolar or depression?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Anthony Vertinoanswered
Clinical Psychology 25 years experience
Not exactly: Predispositions toward depression and bipolar disorder would be present, but not necessarily at the same level as for the parent. Resiliency plays a strong role in the manifestation of any disorder.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Carlos Barriosanswered
Child Psychiatry 25 years experience
Here are some number: One parent with bipolar disorder -> 35% chance child will have
Two parent with ....bpd-> 75% chance one child will have
With only depression in the parental lines the chances are much lower but there is research showing eventually genes for depression may have a common source and therefore chance is no zero. Again, so important to know both parternal and maternal psychiatric history. take care
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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