Abstract
This capstone project explores the qualitative differences in the transmissibility of
parental mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder, and the effects the introduction of early support and interventions in their residencies may have. Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is a mental health disorder characterized by unusual shifts in mood, activity, energy levels, and concentration that affect the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Children of parents with bipolar disorder have a 2.7 times higher risk for developing any psychiatric disorder and a 4 times higher risk for developing a mood disorder in comparison to children of parents without any psychiatric illness (Miclowitz & Chang, 2008). An additional factor affecting children of parents with bipolar disorder is the reduced life expectancy of such individuals, which is10 to 12 years less compared to the general population, due to the prevalence of secondary illnesses and the elevated risk of death by suicide (Nierenberg et al., 2023).
This literature review explores parental mental illness, especially bipolar disorder, specifically its prevalence, manifestations, risk factors, and generally accepted and effective treatments. Additionally, it examines the risk factors that offspring of parents with bipolar disorder are exposed to and appraises protective factors that can contribute to the differentiation of transmissibility of the disorder. The capstone project identifies gaps in the existing practice of individualized interventions/home support and suggests various approaches that can potentially alter the trajectory of the illness development in the offspring, and therefore, improve the quality of family life for both parents with bipolar disorder and their children.
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2024
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Counselor Education
First Advisor
Dawnette Cigrand
Location
Winona, MN
Recommended Citation
Mylonaki, Maria, "Early Support and Home-based Interventions for Children Affected by Bipolar Disorder in Parents" (2024). Counselor Education Capstones. 180.
https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/180
