A
female
age
,
anonymous
writes:Is it possible to inherit bi polar from a distant family member like a grandmother, or uncle? I think my life is ruined by undiagnosed mental illness of my husband and our two sons.I was just wondering if you think mental illness is genetic and skip generations? I think there were suicides and mental illness in his family but completely kept in secret, so I don't know how to know the truth. What can I do , if I suspect that ill their behavior caused by mental illness, but they dont believe it. They had been in mental hospital and so on, but they never officially got diagnosed. I think undiagnosed mental illness, is much worst , than diagnosed, You can't get support from others ,or your own family,or even the community. You are on your own really, in isolation and shame. I was wondering ,what can I do to try confirm a diagnosis? Also ,if anybody heard about genetic testing, what might be able to help to determine where are the genes coming from? I was wondering if anybody in the same situation , like me, because it is very difficult to take care or yourself, or keep your dignity. It is social stigma , without official evidence, or help. If you have any thoughts on this , please let me know. Thanks very much
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (3 April 2012): Dear anonymous ! I'm the OP I'm not sure I understand your "advice".... "Have you ever been treated for a mental illness or had a psychiatric assesment of yourself ? " Could you please explain what do you mean by that? I would really appreciate ,if you would explain, what made you think I need a psychiatric evaluation?Also, "Why do you think you are looking for reasons your husband and sons are mentally ill ?""I know I didn't write a long description, but it was obvious from the post, that they have serious issues, like mental hospital. Did you miss that? "Something isn't right in your home environment and needs investigating - go and talk to your doctor, explain your concerns ask questions."Yes, you are right something needs to be investigated, but you can imagine it was not the first time I was trying to find some answers.. To suggest to go to the doctor means you didn't read or understand the post. But it seemed ,it made you very opinionated for some reasons. I had several contact with several doctors, what I said, they have no diagnosis, of any specific mental illness , what makes my situation very difficult, as I love them, and want help, and to support them. Please answer to my questions, Thanks
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused  +, writes (3 April 2012):
 yep it's genetic... and sure it can skip a generation
to get a diagnosis of your spouse or kids it's easy... start with the primary care physician and ask for a referral for a psych eval.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (3 April 2012):
 Yes, I firmly believe mental illness can be passed down. But certain metal illness can also be accentuated by the environment in my opinion.
If you fear for the mental health of your children talk to the family doctor and maybe even consider family counseling, since it could be the living environment is affecting them.
this website might give you a little info to take with your to the doctor.
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/07/24/genetic-testing-for-mental-disorders-avoid-23andme-navigenics-others-for-now/
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A
female
reader, DanceInTheDark +, writes (3 April 2012):
 Yes. You can definitely inherit it. Sadly there is not much you can do if they aren't willing to believe it and get diagnosed.
How old are your sons? Are they adults? If they are younger you should still be able to get them diagnosed if they are minors.
Could you possibly leave the situation, there isn't much hope for your husband if he won't believe it, very often Bi-polar people are delusional.
If your husband and/or sons are causing significant harm to themselves, and it's clear they are mentally unstable you may be able to get them involuntarily committed.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (3 April 2012): Have you ever been treated for a mental illness or had a psychiatric assesment of yourself ?
Why do you think you are looking for reasons your husband and sons are mentally ill ? Something isn't right in your home environment and needs investigating - go and talk to your doctor, explain your concerns ask questions.
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