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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kelly on January 21, 2000, at 10:33:33
I've been thinking about if my kids are going to end up w/ this depression or like my sister that is schizophrenia? My father killed himself when i was 12yrs.old,his sister kill herself before i was born,My mother,her brother,&granma suffer w/ depression.
I was wondereing if there's any test that could tell if they are going to have any of theses problems?
Posted by judy on January 21, 2000, at 19:30:11
In reply to worried about my kids, posted by kelly on January 21, 2000, at 10:33:33
My father also committed suicide (he was diagnosed manic-depressive) when I was a teen. Several members of my family have mood disorders, I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I had similar concerns about my children, when my son (age 9) exhibited anxiety symptoms I had him evaluated by a child psychologist because I am very against medication and was concerned about him seeing a child psychiatrist. Anyway, the psychologist was extremely helpful in teaching him coping skills and he is doing much better. If any of your children are experiencing symptoms that concern you, speak to your pediatrician. Otherwise, try not to worry, I had one shrink- totally biologically based- who told me there was only about a 15% chance of passing on a gene (and even this is suspect) that would predispose them to a mood disorder if only one parent had it. I think children react to the behavior of their parents (especially Mom)- if your sad, they will probably feel sad too. Take care.
Posted by juniper on January 21, 2000, at 23:06:37
In reply to worried about my kids, posted by kelly on January 21, 2000, at 10:33:33
kelly,
even though you have a familial history of mental disorders, your children are by no means doomed to inherit one. it is commonly aggreed that mental disorders are caused by a complex interplay between genetics and environment(or experiences). i know of no test which can detect the latent presence of a mental disorder, and certainly no test which could do so with complete accuracy. (there are brain scanning devices that can detect a shortage of activity in certain brain functions related to mental disorders, but as far as i know these are used for research and not diagnosis.)
i do not think i would want to know if my child were predisposed to a mental disorder. what would i do differently? i couldn't protect him or her from every misfortune in life, nor would i want to (as stumbling blocks are a part of life, everyone's, and play an important role in growth). and i'd worry myself silly diagnosing if my child were suffering from accute depression or simply a broken heart.
you are obviously a very caring mother. i think that the best that you can do for your children is to be there for them, as you would regardless. it is also fortunate that you know the signs of many disorders, and will be attuned to their presence if they ever do emerge in your children. the earlier someone receives help, the better.
i wish you and your family peace and blessings,
juniper
> I've been thinking about if my kids are going to end up w/ this depression or like my sister that is schizophrenia? My father killed himself when i was 12yrs.old,his sister kill herself before i was born,My mother,her brother,&granma suffer w/ depression.
> I was wondereing if there's any test that could tell if they are going to have any of theses problems?
Posted by Kaarina on January 26, 2000, at 23:34:04
In reply to Re: worried about my kids, posted by juniper on January 21, 2000, at 23:06:37
Kelly
I agree with Judy 100%. My father has had schizophrenia since I was ten. Now I have three children, and like yourself have been concerned since I became ill will chronic fatigue syndrome. If your child shows any signs of depression or anxiety ask for help from a child psychologist. I too believe that with the right coping skills children have an easier time. This applies to us parents too! They do reflect us very much.
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