A 30-year-old member asked:
If a mom has bipolar disorder and a dad has depression, what are the chances the child will have either problem when he grows up?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bartholomew Verebanswered
Child Psychiatry 17 years experience
Hard to say: The genetic component increases the child's chances. But, the environment, and personality also play a very large role.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Glen Elliott commented
Child Psychiatry 44 years experience
Genetics definitely play a role, but even if both parents have bipolar disorder, only about 20% of children will develop it. Depression probably carries a higher risk, but still far from 100%.
Feb 3, 2012
Dr. Richard Levensonanswered
Anxiety Disorders 33 years experience
Depression: With any major mental disorder, having a first degree relative who is afflicted increases the likelihood that children may have some form of the disease, although it certainly is not inevitable.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Carlos Barriosanswered
Child Psychiatry 24 years experience
The stats: From the literature: 35% chance if one parent has it. 75% if both parents have it. These are the probabilities. Literature says depression & anxiety push the odds slightly more. Keep in mind that a more stressful environment will play a major role in pushing these probabilities forward. A more stable environment is always protective against gene expression of any genetic vulnerability. take care
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 17, 2016
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