Many factors that may condition the search for a pregnancy, economic factors or stability in the couple, are some of them. But one of the most important conditions is the existence of previous illnesses both in the mother and in the father. When one of the two, or both, suffers from a pathology, it is logical to think about the possibility that the children can inherit that disease.
In some cases, it is possible to determine if the disease could be hereditary and with the information in hand, Intended parents can make a conscious decision before starting the search. But what about psychological problems? Are these hereditary and can they affect future children?
The causes of mental illness
In recent years, numerous studies to try to find the cause of mental disorders. Throughout the world, and with thousands of people undergoing different tests, an attempt is being made to shed light on an issue that affects more and more people. One of the fields that is being studied the most in this regard is that of the genetic factor.
In several of these studies, in different countries, it has been determined that genetics play an important role when suffering from this type of pathology. Although of course, this is not the only factor and it is not something conclusive either since there are several types of mental illnesses. The most frequent and in which there may be a genetic factor are:
- The autism spectrum disorders (TORCH)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Substance use disorders, addiction
However, although genetics may play an important role in whether or not you have a psychological disorder, there are many other determining factors. At present, there are no genetic tests that can confirm the existence of a psychological illness.
Why do emotional disorders run in the family?
Often, emotional disturbances often recur among several limbs of the same family, however, there are many ranges of severity. This means that, it is possible that the symptoms vary a lot from one person to another, even if it is a family and the genetic component exists.
As with other types of diseases such as obesity or diabetes, many of mental disorders are caused by different factors, both genetic and environmental. This circumstance is known as «Multifactorial inheritance«.
In short, if you yourself suffer from a psychological disorder, it is possible that your children inherit it as well as it is possible that they do not. Environmental factors play a fundamental role in the development of this type of pathologies. Therefore, the symptoms will depend on the way of raising the children, stimulating them and developing all their capacities to the maximum.
Genetics in depression
According to a study conducted in the United States, daughters are at higher risk of inheriting their mother's depression. Curiously, the same does not happen in the case of male children. However, depression, as with other emotional imbalances, are caused by different reasons. The experiences lived, traumas of the past, violent situations among others, in addition to the genetic component.
Psychological disorders are very complex and therefore, individual in each case. It is not possible to generalize, since, although there are certain behaviors and key symptoms to determine them, each each is very particular.
If you yourself suffer from any of these disorders, you should know that it is possible that your children inherit them, as they can inherit other pathologies such as obesity, poor vision or atopic dermatitis. But your way of dealing with your situation will be decisive, how you treat your problem and how you work so that it does not influence your children. In many cases, the parents themselves are the ones who add symptoms to the children's disorder rather than subtract.
However, do not hesitate to ask for medical help to solve all doubts that you may have. Live your pregnancy in a positive, healthy way and face this new experience with enthusiasm.