Is It Worth the Risk? Family Disclosure Patterns of Bipolar Disorder: An Ethical Dilemma Concerning Genetic, Identity, and Health Risks

• In Event: The Role of Family in Health Communication

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the complexities of disclosing one’s bipolarity to their family members. One hundred and twenty-five individuals completed a survey concerning issues related to the advantages and disadvantages of disclosure, and the impact this information has on their own mental health. Results provide a first look at familial disclosure of genetic risk information within the context of mental health. The findings hold implications for increased health care and diagnosis accuracy of bipolar consumers.

Author

• Erica D Prigg, Univ of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign