Advertisement

Bipolar disorder: how genetics plays a role

Updated on October 25, 2024

Some bipolar patients recognize the condition within their own family tree.

close transcript modal

Transcript

00:00
Everything since the day we were-- we've been born plus our genetics is dictating who we are today.
00:06
[MUSIC PLAYING]
00:14
We know that genetics does and can play a role, rather, in some medical conditions, including bipolar disorder. Can you explain what that means?
00:21
Yeah. It's very tricky. And when it comes to psychiatric diagnoses, bipolar disorder is by far the most heritable mood disorder
00:30
that we're aware of, but researchers are seeing that it's not that easy. It's not one gene.
00:37
It's almost like the perfect storm of multiple genetic issues happening. But don't forget, I always want to remind everyone
00:45
that not only is there a lot of genetics, but there's a ton of psychosocial components that actually increase the risk of bipolar disorder, right?
00:53
So there are other things besides genetics, but really strong genetics, the sooner that you can treat it, the better.
01:00
Hmm. Really excellent points there. Hannah and Mike, do you have a family history of bipolar disorder in your own families.
01:06
And how does your family talk about the disorder with you or with other people? I'd love to know that. Maybe we can start with you, Hannah.
01:12
Yeah. So unfortunately, because so many people, especially
01:19
in the past, have hid bipolar disorder, I don't really know. Right. I-- it's all based on speculation of my grandmother,
01:28
for an example. There were signs, but this is all assumption, because it's not like it was being talked about at all.
01:36
My parents do not. We have an open conversation about it kind of because I've really opened a can of worms,
01:44
and so they're very supportive. But as far as family, no one in my immediate, but definitely two of my grandparents.
01:53
However, it was never officially diagnosed. Right. No, understood. Thank you for that.
01:59
And Mike, what about you? Again, similar to Hannah, concealed, like who's the weird uncle, all that stuff.
02:07
And only since I went public and started doing what I'm doing and decided to tell
02:14
a different story with my life have these diagnoses been pursued in our family. So on my mom's side, it's a little touch of depression.
02:23
But definitely on my father's side, there's 5 diagnoses of bipolar. So-- Wow. But only-- I mean, again, only in the last seven or eight
02:31
years is that even known. So yeah, very, very similar. Well, it sounds like you also have done a lot for opening up
02:39
the dialogue and the conversation with your family about this, both you and Hannah. It sounds like you've done a lot of good.

Featured Content

article

Why bipolar disorder gets misdiagnosed as depression

Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression, even by healthcare providers.
article

Bipolar disorder and coexisting mental health conditions

In many cases, bipolar disorder does not exist on its own. Learn how coexisting conditions can affect treatment.
article

What are the risks of untreated bipolar disorder?

A look at the complications of untreated bipolar disorder, and the barriers to treatment for a mental illness.
article

Bipolar disorder: understanding mania, hypomania, and depression

A guide to the main types of bipolar episodes and their symptoms, including mania, hypomania, and depression.