Bipolar parents with children

And the diagnosis of bipolar disease is sometimes difficult to make. Research on the subject is relatively new...in the last few decades. Add that to the fact a lot of people with bipolar disease are either in denial of the fact they have it or don't want people to know they have it. So getting data from people is difficult.

I have bipolar, and so does my 11 yr old son. My dad has it, too.

But, My 3 other kids don't have it, and neither do my 3 siblings. My grandparents don't have it, and neither does my mom. I also have alcaholism, and so does my dad, and all of my generation on my mom's side. My mom doesn't have this either, and neither do my grandparents.

So, my opinion is that we don't automatically get this disease. I think it's like any other genetic disease, some will get it some wont.

I think the important thing is, if you see it in yourself and in your children, get it treated ASAP. That's what I am doing with my 11 year old. My 7 yr old daughter is being tested for it too, right now.

I am fortunate, that I have it, and I know how to get help. I can now help my kids.

what i've been told is there is a genetic disposition to bp, just as there is toward addiction. but like Norma said, bp is not diagnosed as often as it should.