Offspring of bipolar parents can develop serious anxiety, study says

By Staff Writer

Children of parents who suffer from bipolar disorder may be at risk of developing stress-related problems, according to new research.

The report, which appears in the journal Psychological Medicine, was conducted by Concordia University researchers. They found that the offspring of bipolar residents exhibited higher levels of cortisol, which is the hormone that the body produces in response to stress.

According to the study's authors, children who have high levels of cortisol can develop serious emotional and physical disorders later in life. They are more likely to struggle with the everyday stressors and difficulties of life.

Researchers concluded that these findings may lead to more effective intervention efforts. Parents with bipolar disorder and their children may benefit from counseling to help them cope with stress.

Approximately 8 percent of teenagers ages 13 to 18 are severely impaired by at least one anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Adolescents who have high levels of stress may benefit from summer boot camps for teens. Many of these programs feature activities that are designed to help students deal with everyday challenges.