Children Born to Bipolar Parents at Risk for ADHD

Children of bipolar parents are eight times as likely to have ADHD as children not born to bipolar parents, according to a new study.

Children of parents with bipolar disorder are more likely to have ADHD and other psychiatric disorders than children of mentally healthy parents, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

The study, led by Dr. Boris Birmaher of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania compared 121 children ages 2 to 5 from 83 parents with bipolar disorder with 102 children of the same age from 65 parents with no history of bipolar disorder.

The results point to an elevated risk for ADHD and other psychiatric disorders among children of parents with bipolar disorder. Notably, researchers found significantly more severe manic and depressive symptoms in children whose parents had been diagnosed with bipolar as well as ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder.

Researchers note that this connection may be useful in early detection of bipolar and other mental disorders. Additionally, researchers point out the benefit of effective treatment of mental health problems in parents may prevent, delay, or diminish similar mental problems in their children.

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, and affects the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Dr. William Dodson comments in his article ADDitudemag.com article about ADHD and Bipolar disorder that bipolar disorder and ADHD can be coexisting conditions. It's estimated that as many as 20 percent of those diagnosed with ADHD also suffer from a mood disorder on the bipolar spectrum.

"It’s important to always diagnose and treat the bipolar first, as ADHD treatment may precipitate mania or otherwise worsen bipolar disorder," writes Dodson.

Are you the bipolar parent of an ADHD child? Share your experiences in a comment below.

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