My Family History of Mental Health Issues

Studies have shown that a majority of mental health disorders are inheritable. It’s important to know whether any first degree relatives (mother, father, siblings, children) and second degree relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins) currently have or have had mental health issues. The mental health issues include: ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder), depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, substance abuse, alcoholism, attempted or committed suicide, schizophrenia, seizure disorder, dementia/Alzheimer;s, as well as any inpatient mental health treatment.

ADHD has a heritability rate of 75 percent. This means that if you have ADHD , there is a 75% chance that you inherited an ADHD gene. Schizophrenia has a heritability rate of 64% , and bipolar disorder has a heritability rate of 59%. So knowing your family’s history of mental health issues may help in early detection of a mental health problem.

I am the youngest of seven siblings. My family history is plagued with mental health disorders. My father’s sister was institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital from her 20’s until the time of her death. My mother’s sister suffered from bipolar disorder. Two of my brothers had mental health illnesses. One had a severe case of anxiety and depression that turned into schizophrenia. He was institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital for the most of his years age 17 through the time of his death age 32. He escaped from a psychiatric institution in February and died of hypothermia. Another brother also dealt with severe anxiety, psychological stress and depression. This led to delussions which hospitalized him for some brief periods. He has recovered from the devastating effects of the illness. A third brother dealt with depression after having multiple surgeries and dealing with health issues.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD after being involved with the 9/11 attack of the WTC and assigned to supervise the memorial services of many of my fellow firefighters. My wife has dealt with depression and post partum depression.

I have four daughters. One has suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression starting around 18 years of age and lasting for 10 years. Another has Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a slight case of Attention Deficit Disorder. A third daughter suffers from Bipolar Disorder while a fourth has had an eating disorder , Generalized Anxiety Disorder and pre and postpartum depression.

It’s important to document your family’s health and illness history. This includes your history of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes as well as mental health issues, All have hereditary factors for your future generations.