December 2, 2019

Does Mental Illness Run in Families?

Here’s what you need to know if you’re at risk

Illustration of a family member with a mental disorder

If you have a close blood relative living with a mental illness, you might be worried that one is lurking in the recesses of your brain. Or your child’s brain.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Since many people don’t talk openly about mental health disorders, you may not know whether your concern is warranted.

Psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD, sheds some light on this important topic: “Think of mental illness as you would any other family-linked health concern,” he says. “Do your best to become educated about the condition and symptoms so you can be on the lookout.”

Is mental illness hereditary?

One in five adults will experience a mental illness at some point each year. Scientists haven’t (yet) identified a mental illness gene. But there is evidence that if you have a biological family member with a diagnosed mental disorder such as depression and schizophrenia, your likelihood of having one increases.

That doesn’t mean if you have a parent with schizophrenia, you’ll also develop it — or that you’ll develop it with the same severity. Dr. Bea says environmental factors play a starring role in the development of mental illness.

“Since children’s brains are actively developing, childhood experiences — both positive and negative — are huge factors in determining if mental illness will affect you,” he says.

Advertisement
“Through early intervention, we can mold brains and even change the extent to which kids and young adults experience a mental health disorder now or in the future.”

The key to lessening the impact of a mental health disorder? Resiliency.

Dr. Bea says 50% of mental health concerns appear by age 13, and 75% appear by age 24. Since brains are thought to be fully developed by age 25, reaching that age without a diagnosed mental health disorder is a good sign.

Because kids’ brains are malleable, Dr. Bea recommends building resiliency to help them deal with the emotions their thoughts cause. You may not be able to ward off a mental health diagnosis entirely, but you can lessen how severely a person will experience it.

He recommends parents or caregivers:

  1. Start the conversation: Talk with kids early on about their thoughts and what feelings they create.
  2. Be present: Teach kids to be grounded in the here and now, to notice their thoughts or emotions, and then learn to re-center themselves.
  3. Lean in: Teach kids to move toward, rather than away from, situations that make them uncomfortable. (For example, encourage them to run for student government, even though the thought of losing is scary.)
  4. Let go: Let kids manage their experiences rather than intervening on their behalf.

Start young: Early intervention can help overcome

“A mental illness is not always the result of childhood experiences,” says Dr. Bea. “Some people have wonderful home environments and amazing caregivers but still experience a mental health disorder.”

If you are concerned about a child or loved one, talk to a doctor, especially if mental health disorders run in the family. Dr. Bea recommends intervening as quickly as possible.

Advertisement

“Once you have a diagnosis, act quickly, when psychotherapy or medications are most effective,” he says. “If you allow habits to develop, the brain circuits and grooves deepen, and it becomes more challenging to overcome.”

He also reminds us that the brain is the most complicated organ in the body. While we can form and mold it to a certain extent, we don’t have absolute control over it.

“No one should feel bad about having a mental illness,” he says. “Would you feel responsible if your spleen ruptured? You probably wouldn’t, because most bodily processes are beyond our control. We need to think about mental health the same way and erode the stigmas.”

Related Articles

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Woman looking in mirror and pulling skin until wrinkles disappear
December 6, 2023
Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine?

Though popular with influencers and celebrities, there’s little research to back up claims that they work

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

bearded man sitting crosslegged holding clock in one hand, calendar in other
December 4, 2023
Are Bare Minimum Mondays Good for Your Mental Health?

Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past

A sad couple standing on each side of a large broken heart
December 4, 2023
Yes, You Can Die From a Broken Heart — But No, It’s Not Likely at All

The emotional toll of loss and other strong emotions can have life-threatening physical effects

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad