My question is, is it possible to have Cyclothymic Disorder if I have no family history of mental illness? I've recently been researching Bipolar Disorder and Cyclothymia, and I've come to realize that I have many of the Cyclothymic symptoms, but neither side of my family have had any form of mental illness, so there's nowhere genetically that this could stem from, but I'm very confident in my self-diagnosis to the point where I'm afraid I might have to get it professionally diagnosed to make sure. Any answers are greatly appreciated. This question is making me incredibly anxious.
Can I have Cyclothymic Disorder with no family history of Bipolar Disorder?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by Jojo Pret...
- Topics:
- family, history, question, mental, disorder, bipolar disorder, mental illness, disorders, bipolar
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Responses (2)
First off, you cannot self-diagnose. Asking these questions can make you a hypochondriac. Get diagnosed.
Yes one can be bipolar without having it be within the family.
"Genetic factors account for about 80 percent of the cause of bipolar disorder. That means that heredity isn't the only cause of bipolar disorder. If you have a family history of the disorder, it doesn't mean you'll develop it. Most family members of someone with bipolar disorder will not develop the illness.
Apr 25, 2016"
"What causes bipolar disorder?
Though the exact cause of bipolar disorder has yet to be found, scientists confirm that bipolar disorder has a genetic component, meaning the disorder can run in families. Some research suggests that multiple factors may interact to produce abnormal function of brain circuits that results in bipolar disorder's symptoms of major depression and mania. Examples of environmental factors may include stress, alcohol or substance abuse, and lack of sleep.
Who is at risk of bipolar disorder?
More than 10 million Americans have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, as well as all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes.
Although men and women appear to be equally affected by bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is seen more often in women. Women also tend to experience more depressive and mixed state episodes than do men. A man's first experience with bipolar disorder may be in a manic state; women tend to first experience a depressive state.
Bipolar disorder can present itself at any age, but typically, onset occurs around age 25."