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Member Since Feb 2019
Location: US
Posts: 35
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#1
Hi
I have a few diagnoses but I just wonder if some of my family has a specific illness (worse than mine) does that mean I'm more likely to get it? Thanks |
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Travelinglady
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Member Since Dec 2018
Location: New Jersey
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#2
Genetic predisposition is just that- predisposition. It means that at least part of the stuff that makes you up( or more if both sides) contains markers or whatever they call it that are the same as markers in other family members with mental illness. I believe it is the most strong in the parent-child relationship. My dad was old school manic depressive, I am BPII, ADHD (and other stuff) and my oldest daughter is an addict and bipolar. All three of my kids have adhd (hubby has it also) and the other two have anxiety issues mostly due to traumatic experience and circumstance. The most important thing is it is not a guarantee. My brother and sister have zero issues with mental health and substance abuse. Maybe its because they have a different mother? I dont know because my mom is as clean as they come. My Dad also had issues with money- gambling, overspending, risk taking behaviors and violence. I have experienced none of that. I had a traumatic childhood and I firmly believe that had I had a stable homelife I might have had a more mangegable form of these illnesses or that I would have been better suited to deal with them. Being predisposed is no guarantee, a lot of it can be environment as well.
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winter4me
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winter4me
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Location: North Carolina
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#3
I agree with sarah. I think environmental factors also affect whether we get a disorder we are genetically predisposed to. So, the answer is not necessarily--and try to avoid stress--such as worrying about it!
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