Sperm tests in fathers-to-be to pinpoint children’s mental illness risk

FATHERS-to-be could soon have their sperm tested to ­assess the risk of passing on mental illnesses to their ­children.

Melbourne researchers are working to unravel how chronic stress causes molecular changes in sperm that are passed to the next generation.

The health of males before conception is becoming ­increasingly recognised as having a significant influence on their offspring’s wellbeing.

Studies have shown the pre-fatherhood diets of men can increase the risk of children developing type 2 diabetes and having birth defects.

But Melbourne neuroscientists are investigating how changes in sperm caused by high levels of ongoing stress ­affect the brains of offspring in a new $550,000 project.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/sperm-tests-in-fatherstobe-to-pinpoint-childrens-mental-illness-risk/story-fni0fit3-1227105282336?nk=1f73b32ab3499d9f9b2fe017efe50282

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This makes me happy since my husband is the picture of healthy.

Wasn’t there some research awhile ago on over 40 year old men had a high risk of passing on Bipolar? Something to do with the sperm count.

@Dreamscape http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=210144

Hmmm September 1, 2008 I’m thinking much more recent

Here we go, from earlier this year . http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20140226-older-dads-more-likely-to-have-kids-with-bipolar-disorder-autism-add-study-finds.ece

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This kind of stuff is really worrying because it leads to, “Oh but you knew you were high risk and you still had a child, so we (society) are not going to help you with our tax dollars. It’s all your own fault. Look after your own kid.” But we know that ANY chronic illness (not only sz) can be better managed for the individual and therefore for society with social support. But you know that people will use this as an excuse not to give support. Instead of trying to prevent PEOPLE with sz, they should focus on preventing the development of the illness.

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Yes - the older the male, the higher risk of schizophrenia, bipolar, etc. of the children - but the effect is very small:

Read it all here: http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/older.htm