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by People with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Genetic

February 16, 2012 in People with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Genetic | Bipolar Genetic Disorder

Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic? Can it be passed on from generation to generation? After sifting through research from scholarly journals and surveys from psychologist papers I have to say there is a slight chance that bipolar disorder can be passed on from generation to generation. That is not to say that parents with bipolar disorder will give birth to offspring that will definitely have the genes that instruct the child's brain to be abnormal. On the contrary. It's all a game of chance.

We have to live with the card that we're dealt with. No amount of finger pointing will do anyone any good and generally the best way to live life is to take on any challenges that you're faced with and turn them into something you can be proud of. The human DNA and brain chemistry is a complex beast and we have not unraveled the mysteries behind every ribosomes and nucleoli.

Knowing your family chart, and finding out if your immediate family members might have psychological disorders may be hard as most people keep these problems secret and most are undiagnosed. So end of the day if you think you're experiencing wild mood swings and are not normal, then it would be wise to seek help.

There has also been very good research into the effectiveness of omega oils 3, 6, and 9. They promote the healthy functioning of brain waves and keep serotonin levels in check leading to stable moods and will likely make your skin look better too. Try some out if you're interested in maintaining a healthy brain chemistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Is Bipolar Disorder genetic? What are the signs of Bipolar disorder?
    My grandma is Bipolar and I think I might be too. What are some signs? How do I know if I am Bipolar?

    • ANSWER:
      By polar is hereditary. That does mean everybody in the family gets or has it. The best way to stop it is to not have any children.. I know a lady who had a by polar mother and while she is not by polar she feels comfortable around her by polar daughter, more so then her normal son, because that is the way she was raised. Even married a by polar man..It is like a person growing up with a drunk for a parent. after a while you know how to deal with it.
  2. QUESTION:
    Is schizophrenia or bipolar disorder genetic?
    Because I have them. And I think my dad might have one or both of them because he used to beat me and my sister all the time for doing stuff we didn't do. And now I have them. And I have a 2 year old son, and I'm worried that he might have them. Because I caught him trying to drown my cat in the bath tub earlier today. And he won't tell me why. So I'm worried. Should I take him to have him checked out?

    • ANSWER:
      I think with bipolar what you inherit is a *tendancy* to develop the illness. Whether or not you actually get it will depend on a number of things, including your ability to handle stress, your environment, upbringing and difficulties/traumatic events that you have to deal with in your life. So you are slightly more likely to develop the illness than someone without a family history, but it is by no means guaranteed.

      I think schizophrenia is more closely linked to a family history of the illness, but again it is not a definite thing; twin studies have shown that if one twin has schizophrenia, the other twin has about a 50% chance of developing it.

      Both of these illnesses don't usually manifest (and are not diagnosed) until around the late teens, so whilst you should definitely take your son to a medical professional if you are worried about him or his behaviour, it is highly unlikely that he will be diagnosed with a mental illness.

  3. QUESTION:
    Is Bipolar disorder genetic? If a bipolar had it would his/her children have it? What are the odds?
    Please, factual information. A Yes/No, or numerical answer to those questions (with sources cited) would be a win.
    Please, answer yourself and cite information, instead of just carelessly copy and pasting from a site. This isn't close to what I'm looking for, I'm not a twin.

    • ANSWER:
      Bipolar is considered in genetics a complex trait, meaning that the genetic component is most likely caused by multiple genes, and there may be a significant component that comes from interaction with the environment. Complex traits are more difficult to unravel from a scientific standpoint, because it is difficult to identify all the genes involved when several may cause the same effect, and some but not all may be required for the trait to manifest. Other example of things that people are investigating as complex traits are schizophrenia and autism.

      For a condition that is caused by a single gene, it is possible to make good predictions about inheritance and give probablilities. For a complex trait, we really can't do that yet. You could look at the percentage of identical twins where both have the trait as compared to non-identical twins that share the trait to get an idea of how much is genetic as compared to environment. It's not really going to answer the question in the way you want, but I'm not sure it's possible to make that prediction accurately now.

  4. QUESTION:
    Is bipolar disorder genetic?
    is bipolar genetic?
    anyone know why some people dont get it until later on in life?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes Bi-Polar is genetic but, many times it skips generations. You can get Bi-Polar at anytime in your life. It can affect children and adults can get the disease. Bi-Polar is a disease just like diabetes or heart disease and requires the right medications. It is a problem with the neurotransmitters and the brain chemical Serotonin. Those who have had a loving and caring childhood may not get it at all even if they have the gene. Those who become mentally ill usually have suffered great unhappiness or great stress. That can cause the brain chemicals to go awry.
  5. QUESTION:
    is schizophrenia genetic? Is bipolar disorder genetic? If either of them are, are there tests that can show if?
    it was passed to a child or not?

    • ANSWER:
      Dolphin is completely wrong about schizophrenia. Genetics is the "fad" in modern science and there is no definitive link between schizophrenia and heredity. The cause(s) of schizophrenia (which is not a single disorder but a spectrum of them) is not known to medical science so there can not be any test genetic or physical for schizophrenia. Diagnosis of one of the kinds of schizophrenia is a purely subjective opinion of a psychiatrist.

      Look up "schizophrenia" in a Yahoo! web search. Wikipedia has a good summary. Also read, John Horgan;"The Undiscovered Mind" how the human brain defies replication, medication and explanation: Free Press, N.Y. NY, 1999 to learn how little science knows about the mind and brain.

      Stop worrying you're ok!

 

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Avatar of People with Bipolar Disorder

by People with Bipolar Disorder

Manic Bipolar Disorder

February 16, 2012 in People with Bipolar Disorder

Manic Depression

Lithium and Its Benefits
Lithium aspartate is commonly used in the natural treatment of hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases because it helps in the spreading of iodine evenly throughout the body. Lithium may increase the gray matter nerve cells of the brain by three percent. This mineral is supposedly good for dementia, Alzheimer's etc. People treated with Lithium have improved memory and reduced rage/anger and salting the water supply with Lithium Aspartate might be an added approach to our community violence prevention programs. Lithium paired with omega 3-6-9 is an effective combination at maintaining stable moods and reducing relapses.

Lithium has long been known to be an effective therapy for Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) when taken in high doses. Lithium ions are believed to act only at particular sites on the membranes of intracellular structures like mitochondria and lysosomes. Lithium in the elemental form has never been shown to have major side effects. Lithium has been helpful in reducing aggressive behavior in children and helps to prevent and control symptoms of mania such as hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, and reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. Lithium aspartate is a health supplement and is much more bioavailable than the forms of lithium used for the treatment of clinical depression.
In the brain however, recent research has shown that low doses of lithium preserve and renew brain cells. Eight out of ten persons given lithium showed an increase in brain grey matter of 3 % after only 4 weeks. Lithium also accomplishes the following benefit for brain cells: it enhances DNA replication which is the first step to formation of new cells. Lithium may protect against adverse effects from mood altering drugs, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, uppers and downers, and marihuana all of which cause brain damage with long term use.

Lithium carbonate was discovered by John Cade MD in 1949 as a treatment for the violence that is often seen in Manic-Depressive Disorder and in preventing the violence of suicide, sometimes seen in Recurrent Unipolar Depression. Lithium carbonate is a salt that was first approved in the United States in 1970 to treat manic depression (bipolar disorder). Lithium is famous for its affects on neurological disorders such as depression. Lithium orotate and aspartate is generally marketed as a dietary supplement used in small doses to treat conditions including stress, manic depression, alcoholism, ADHD and ADD, aggression, PTSD, Alzheimer's and to improve memory.

Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder characterized by manic or depressive episodes that usually cycle back and forth between depression and mania. Lithium, however, is the treatment of choice for recurring bipolar (manic/depressive) illness, serving as an effective mood enhancer in 70-80 percent of bipolar patients. Clinical Context Lithium is one of the most commonly prescribed agents for bipolar affective disorder despite its well-known risk of toxicity. I guess it's gotten a bad rap over the years because of toxic levels from a salt substitute and the fact that many bipolar people take it for mood stabilization (which comes off sounding more like an anti-psychotic) but very high doses are needed.

In conclusion, lithium aspartate may help increase brain function when taken daily. It is used in the treatment of chronic alcoholic patients. it may also affect the important brain chemical and increase their concentration. Lithium aspartate is a natural treatment for hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases. And finally, lithium orotate or lithium aspartate can help with mood swings, depression, and alzheimer's as well as ADHD and ADD. Have you had your lithium and omega 3-6-9 today?

About the author:

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lithium-and-its-benefits-521365.html

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What name do you prefer: Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder?
    I prefer bipolar disorder.Manic depression sounds a bit extreme and the word manic depressive is stigmatising IMO.What about you?

    • ANSWER:
      bipolar reminds me of a polar bear :) LOL i ike polar bears so i prefer that name i guess
  2. QUESTION:
    What name do you prefer:Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder?
    I prefer bipolar disorder.Manic depression sounds really extreme and stigmatising.It makes you sounds as if you are really crazy.What about you?Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      Manic depression does sound more extreme but probably that's why I like it more.
  3. QUESTION:
    What name do you prefer: manic depression or bipolar disorder.?
    I prefer the new name of bipolar disorder.Manic depression sounds really extreme and derogatory.

    • ANSWER:
      They are not exactly the same !
      The main distinguishing difference between bipolar disorder and major manic depression is, of course, the presence of manic episodes. This is why depression alone is not enough to diagnose an individual with bipolar, even if this disease runs in the family. However, even one manic episode (meeting DMS-IV criteria) is sufficient to make a bipolar diagnosis. Distinguishing between these two illnesses makes a big impact on treatment choice; while depression is treated primarily with anti-depressant medication, someone with bipolar disorder needs a mood-stabilizing medication such as lithium or valproate. Taking anti-depressants with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is a tricky business, because the medication can sometimes trigger a manic episode.
  4. QUESTION:
    Why was manic depression changed to bipolar disorder?
    I have manic depression but i am glad that it was changed to bipolar disorder.Manic depression sounds really extreme and stigmatizing.Bipolar disorder describes the illness perfectly in my opinion.But why was it changed?Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I never liked either terms. Bipolar is not having mood swings as it has been said. Everyone has highs and lows in life. I call it a memory disorder. Because memories is what causes it. Memories from other people, events in life, or what destructive heresies people teach. Your own memories or how you perceive things. So, keep up the good memories and do productive things. Don't live in the past, don't hate, and be realistic. Love but stay safe by protecting yourself and you will be fine. Medicine does help. I am not knocking it. Listen to your doctor and the Christian Jesus.
  5. QUESTION:
    Do you prefer the phrase bipolar disorder or manic depression?
    I prefer bipolar disorder.Manic depression sounds extreme imo.

    • ANSWER:
      I don't like either of my terms, as they're quite the joke these days, everyone apparently has it but no one understands the seriousness of it.

 

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Avatar of People with Bipolar Disorder

by People with Bipolar Disorder

Characteristics Of Bipolar Disorder

February 10, 2012 in People with Bipolar Disorder

Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder | bipolar disorder in children ...

 

The characteristics of bipolar disorder according to my personal experience are extreme mood swings from severe depressive episodes to jarring manic highs where I barely remember what I did. People with bipolar disorder mostly have interesting personalities with characteristics that border on comical to flat out crazy. But they do all they can to keep everything under control, as do I. People with bipolar characteristics are the people who are not in control of their moods and have let their moods control their actions resulting in unwanted outcomes.

Sometimes people with bipolar disorder express their thoughts and actions in ways that confuse the people they depend on. It is the support of family and friends that can bring the characteristics of bipolar disorder under control. With proper medication and care, along with supplements such as omega 3-6-9 which can stabilize moods and keep the brain function normally, bipolar sufferers can be in control.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    what are some more specific characteristics of bipolar disorder besides for just mood swings?
    are on and off thoughts of suicide normal?

    serious answers pls.

    • ANSWER:
      On and off thoughts fo suicide are more likely signs of depression. Bipolar is a cycling of depression and mania..... not just mood swings. People never really get jusy how extreme these "mood swings" are in Bipolar disorder....

      Everyone has moods like those of Bipolar Disorder....... because everyone has mood swings, momentary loss of judgment, likes to go shopping, likes sex, feels down sometimes, gets angry now and then and is hyper on occasion. The difference is that all of these symptoms in Bipolar are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function. Think of a pole (biPOLEr) with 0 at the center (0 being normal) and 10 at one end (manic) and -10 at the other (deep depression). Most people have swings but stay within 3 to -3. I have fairly severe Bipolar 1 but since my psychosis is mild I go from -9 to 9.... Also depression that comes and goes is not bipolar but just recurring depression, you have to have mania for it to be Bipolar..... you have to go to both ends of the pole.

      Rapidly changing emotions or becoming angry or sad easily is not all there is to Bipolar. That is just having emotions. People with Bipolar Disorder do not just change emotions quickly, they go through periods of depression followed by periods of mania or elevated mood. Mood affects everything about you.... your energy level, self esteem, sleep patterns, appetite, sexuality, emotional response, judgment, etc..... not just your emotions. And while rapid cycling is possible, it is rare. The average person with Bipolar only cycles two or three times a year. It is considered rapid cycling if they cycle 4 or more times in a year.

      While everyone with Bipolar has a different set of symptoms and a different severity of symptoms, this is what Bipolar is like for me:

      Depression - too tired to get out of bed, shower, even to brush my teeth. Cry all the time, sleep 16 hours a day. Feelings of self loathing and guilt that drive me to think of suicide but I'm to tired to even think about how to go about killing myself. It makes you feel small and worthless and completely insignificant. It makes you think about how big the world is and how meaningless you are in it..... and it refuses to let you have any good thoughts or see any good things.... when you look in the mirror all you see is pain, you don't even see yourself, you don't taste your favorite foods anymore, see that flowers are blooming, whether or not the sun is out, you become so inward that you hardly even notice your surroundings..... You don't even feel love for people anymore.... positive thoughts are just not possible...... it is a deep dark hole with no way out and no light for hope.... and most of all it makes you feel sooooo alone. And even if there were someone who cared about you they would be better off if you killed yourself....... because all you will ever be is a burden....... this can last from a couple of weeks to a couple of years.

      Mania - Way too happy! PARTY GIRL! love drink and drugs. Talk really fast and pressured because my thoughts are going faster than my mouth can keep up with. Hypersexual - like I sleep with strangers and guys I just met on the internet or I masturbate 10 times a day. I once became bisexual because there were twice as many people to sleep with. down load porn and spend tons of money on sex toys. Spending sprees..... I once spent my mortgage money on african violets, yep, 00 on African violets (then I got depressed and let them all die). Quit my job because I wanted my vacation pay for lottery tickets and I was so convinced I would win that I started shopping and writing bad checks because I'd be rich as soon as the numbers were drawn. Decided that I could replace the furnace in my home by myself... I mean how hard can it be..... Only sleep 2 or maybe 3 hours a night for months on end and never feel tired. In the end I was unemployed, ,000 in debt, and had almost lost my home, which needed a new furnace because I had removed the old one.. or parts of it anyway. This can last for months.

      I also have mixed states when I am depressed and manic at the same time which are truly the worst... By body and mind are depressed but there is this undercurrent of energy running all the time..... I'm highly emotional but the emotions tend to be negative (guilt and anger) I have intrusive thoughts and urges to mutilate myself (like wanting to stick my hands in the garbage disposal or cooking them on the BBQ), and I also have psychotic episodes where I hallucinate. This is when I am most suseptible to suicide because I am depressed, wanting to hurt myself, and I have the mental energy to plan and carry it out.

      When I am on meds I am a normal 45 year old single mom of 3 and no one would even guess that I am Bipolar.

  2. QUESTION:
    what are the characteristics of bipolar disorder?

    • ANSWER:
      rapid change in mood. ive been diagnosed as bipolar, so i know very well.
  3. QUESTION:
    Could Bipolar II disorder disqualify me from joining the military ?
    I have not been professionaly been diagnosed, but I have many symptoms and characteristics of the disorder. It also runs in my family, with my mom and grandma both having been diagnosed with this disorder.
    I've been looking to join the US Marine Corps Band, but a close friend told me it could disqualify me if I was diagnosed.
    Is this true ?

    • ANSWER:
      Your own mental health is more important that anything. If you are suffering with the symptoms of Bi-Polar and in the military you could be a danger to yourself and others. Unfortunately your first priority is to get a correct diagnosis and the right safe treatment if you are Bi-Polar. It does run in families. You just can't make the choice of leaving yourself open to the painful symptoms of Bi-Polar and the mania.

      Unfortunately the military won't accept anybody who has a mental illness. It is extremely important that every member of the military be at the top and best of mind at all times.

  4. QUESTION:
    Is it characteristic of Bipolar Personality Disorder people to talk excessively?
    For many hours in the day?>
    thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      its only called Bipolar Disorder. and yes its normal for a person to talk excessively if they are in the manic phase.
  5. QUESTION:
    Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder?
    Hey, I'm a 19 year old male who's been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.
    Recently, I've become really scared that I may have bipolar disorder, because sometimes my moods shift from good to bad 1-3 times a day and I tend to go through good periods of anxiety to (comparitively) bad periods of anxiety. When I'm in a good period, I never really get any "manic" symtpoms, like doing crazy stuff or all that, but when I feel good, I find that I know what to say, and just generally am "on the ball." When I have a bad period of anxiety on the other hand, I still get along with people, etc. but I just find that I don't really feel like myself and just generally feel kind of down.
    Is this characteristic of bipolar disorder, or do I just have normal mood fluctuations that I'm worry about too much?

    • ANSWER:
      Bipolar is much more severe than that. It is so severe that during an episode, it is disabling. the moods last weeks to months. Some people rapid cycle, but this is almost always due to antidepressant use.

 

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