Bipolar disorder hereditary?

[Peppaismyhomegirl]

My Exmil has severe bipolar. She along with my exhusband are non contact (their choice) with my son. All of that side of the family to be precise, are non contact with us.
I believe exdh is bipolar, shows all symptoms and patterns of behaviour.
I was just wondering if my DS could be predisposed to this genetically? And if so, what is the risk.
It's not something I give much thought about, but something on the tv just made me think. Is there things I should look for?

I think there is a hereditary factor in many mental illnesses especially the psychoses, but I have no idea of the risk - maybe you could look on the MIND website or contact them and I'm sure they could help you with the information that you are seeking.

Yes he will have a genetic predisposition, which will interact with his life experiences in a way that cannot be predicted, leading to him developing or not developing the illness. Instead of focussing on the magnitude of the risk, rather educate yourself about the early signs so that you can get your ds the correct help if he needs it, and teach him good strategies for dealing with stress.

Thank you. Ill do a bit of reading. My exhusband totally avoided the issue in himself and caused huge problems. I just wanna be prepared

My psychiatrist told me its 1/10 if a parent has it hth.

Genetic factors increase the risk - but it doesn't automatically follow that it will be passed down