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Should I have kids? The genetic links of mental illness
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A new book by Patrick Tracey, “Stalking Irish Madness,” delves into the decision that many people suffering from mental illness face when it comes to starting a family. For years, there have been studies supporting the idea that genetics are an important component in who is affected by mental illness. And with 25% of American adults dealing with mental illness each year, there is concern that depression and schizophrenia can be passed on to their children. Unfortunately there is no test that can be given to ensure that mental illness won’t be passed down, partly because both genes and environment combine to create a situation where mental illness can manifest.
Many adults make the decision to go ahead with their wishes to have biological children and they end up waiting and watching through the teen and early adult years when mental disorders tend to reveal themselves. There are also concerns as to parenting style for someone who decides to have children, knowing the risk of mental illness in their offspring. These parents are possibly overreactive to symptoms or too laid-back in an attempt to lower their child's stress and stave off mental illness they believe just has yet to manifest.
Many who have siblings or parents with mental illnesses struggle to make a decision, and according to a University of New South Wales study, of those whose family history displays high instances of bipolar disorder, 35% are less willing or completely unwilling to have children. However, in order to avoid situations where couples decide against having children based on a mistaken belief that their child has a high risk of inheriting the propensity for mental illness, a psychiatric genetic counselor may be helpful.
For more info: MSNBC article
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