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Identity: A Focus on Genetics

Student A

Introduction

Identity consists of the specific and unique traits that one acquires. Many focus on basic generalizations-such as family tree. However, I remain uncertain where my ancestors derive from. Because of this lack of knowledge, I heavily relied on my inherited traits- known as genetics. Genetics occupy a significant piece of my identity. For one, I am twin- specifically fraternal. Fraternal twins only share 50% of DNA. Fraternal twins, scientifically called dizygotic twins, are formed in two different eggs by two different sperm around the same period and end up developing at the same time.[1] Furthermore, my mom has bipolar disorder, this heavily contributes to my identity. Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder where there is a recurrence of mania and depression.[2] This leads to problems in work, relationships with friends and family, and every day tasks. [3] Lastly, the one trait I actually have is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This disorder is caused by differences in brain development. [4] ADHD causes issues with time management, organization, relationships, friends, and self esteem. [5,6] Through each inherited trait, connections shall be established with one another- analyzing their contributions to my identity.

Methods

The process for finding articles was quite extensive, especially since I covered numerous subjects. First, I focused on collecting data for my most noticeable and common characteristic- being a fraternal twin. I browsed through Pubmed.org and FTCC’s Library to find context on fraternal twins, using simple keywords like “Fraternal twin genetics”. Furthermore, I used “Twin different traits” to find specific data that states differences among twins. Next, I researched “Bipolar Disorder Type 1 and 2 Effects” into the same search engines as before. Finding basic information was quite effortless, then I had to be specific. While finding information was simple, I had to find an article that revealed the effects of bipolar parents on children. I used numerous key phrases such as “Effects of child with Bipolar parent” “child with bipolar parents”, and “link between bipolar in parents and mental disorders within children”. After this, I proceeded to the linking topic- attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This went quite fast as I only needed two keywords “ADHD” and “Effect on Adolescents”. The process, overall, consisted of specific details, search engines, organization, and plenty of time management.

Results

Fraternal Twins

Societies, everywhere, developed “ideal” attributes between twins. To understand how a twin’s sense of identity may be altered, case studies are created to analyze the effects. A case study performed by Sophie Cassell, examines the differences of identity and individuality between fraternal and identical twins.[1] This study consisted of forty participants- thirteen monozygotic twins and twenty-seven dizygotic twins. They were divided among fraternal and identical twins. Both groups were asked 31 questions, each individual answered on a Likert Scale - “1” meaning “Strongly Disagree” and a score of “5” meaning “Strongly Agree.” [1] In Table 1, Cassell’s displays agreement of various twin characteristics, calculated on the Likert Scale. [1]

Table 1.Table Summary of the Data for Identical and Fraternal Twins. Adapted from "Examining the Twin Bond: A Look at the Psychological Development of Twins and the Differences in Individuality and Identity Differentiation between Fraternal and Identical Same-Sex Twins" by Sophie Cassell, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2019. Available from: https://auislandora.wrlc.org/islandora/object/1011capstones%3A161/datastream/PDF/view

Bipolar Disorder Relationships to Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and ADHD Effects on Adolescents

There is a high probability that children and adolescents of BD parents have a higher risk psychiatric disorders. In a case-control study done by Soroor Arman, Hajar Salimi, and Mohammad Reza Maracy, a link between Bipolar disorder parents and childrens with psychiatric disorders were analyzed.[7] Within this study 500 parents, 250 with Bipolar (case)and 250 (control) known as healthy, and their children were used. Children filled out The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for school-age children (KSADS) questionnaires.6 The questionnaire had 30 questions evaluating three parenting styles - “authoritative,” “authoritarian,” and “permissive.” [8] From the KSADS question, Table 2 shows there is a 24.4% of ADHD occurring in children with one BD parent (case group), versus a 11.2% occurring in the control group. [7]

Table 2: Determination and comparison of frequency distribution of psychiatric disorders in children in both groups of the study. Adapted from “Parenting Styles and Psychiatric Disorders in Children of Bipolar Parents” Retrieved February 24, 2019. Available from: http://www.advbiores.net/viewimage.asp?img=AdvBiomedRes_2018_7_1_147_246328_t3.jpg

ADHD Effects

Through a survey by B. Revathi, A. Jothi Priya, and Gayatri Devi, some effects of ADHD were revealed. 150 adolescents from ages 12-19 were asked about their mental health. Case stated that about 45.3% of participants are easily distracted, about 48% sometimes feel restless when completing a task, 43.3% felt like they talk excessively and 33.3% struggle with organization. [6]

Analysis

Fraternal Twins

Fraternal twins are known to have around 50% of their DNA with their twin. Yet, society has created an outline of what twins should be- identical or not. This includes the “matching” characteristics of twins. The rhyming names or alliteration solely signifies how twins are two, but also one.[9] According to case study by Cassell, fraternal twins differ when it comes to certain twin characteristics.[1] When reviewing the mean of Individual Confidence between fraternal and identical twins found in Figure 1, the difference conveys how fraternal twins acquire more independence. Fraternal twins could be depicted as less dependent and express their own individuality- whether it’s through their personality or characteristics. However, when looking at mean for Closeness in Figure 1, there is barely a difference between fraternal and identical twins.[1] This reveals that fraternal twins have the ability to be just as close and trustful, but consist of different characteristics.

Bipolar Disorder Relationships to Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and ADHD Effects on Adolescents

One of the most common disorders among these children seems to be ADHD. Looking back at the study done in the article, “Parenting Styles and Psychiatric Disorders in Children of Bipolar Parents”, the occurrence of ADHD was 24.4% in the case group and only 11.2% in the control group.[7] The percentage for the children with one BP parent was double than children with the healthy parents. This signifies how a parent with Bipolar Disorder may lead to disorders within the child. The effects of one with Bipolar disorder include major mood swings, depressive episodes, and random manic attacks. These symptoms could cause the parent to raise or punish their children differently. With this spontaneous behavior-ADHD is likely to occur.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder typically deal with one’s lack of an attention span, organizational skills, and self worth. With a result of “45.3% of participants are easily distracted” ,in a study, participants may have consequences. Being easily distracted allows the person to drift from what’s really important. Hence, leading to learning and communication problems.[6] In addition, another important finding was, “43.3% felt like they talk excessively”.[6] This refers to more than a bit of rambling. These adolescents tend to be more emotional. They apologize for their actions, even if they didn’t do anything wrong and avoid other viewpoints. [6]

Discussion

Each trait has helped create my identity in numerous forms. Because I am a twin, my twin sister and I are quite close I am protective over her, even though she’s two minutes older. I have a feeling of responsibility for her as well- always wanting her to be better than me. We don’t speak all of the time, but there will always be a feeling of comfort and trust between me and her. While we are twins, there are differences. The most significant one- her sun allergy, known as Solar Urticaria. Because of this, I developed a sense of awareness for others and tend to be more understanding of different circumstances. Furthermore, I have ADHD. This has affected me throughout the years, however, since my grades were always decent, no one else noticed. I easily get distracted- completing one assignment takes around twice the amount of effort and time. This, however, can be linked to my mother. My mother has Type 1 and Type 2 Bipolar Disorder. This has impacted my life to a great extent. Because of her disorder, especially the sporadic manic and depressive episodes, I am extremely cautious when it comes to relationships. I associate myself with friends and peers who I know I can rely on. In addition, I value time. I spend the majority of my days working towards my goals, volunteering, or participating in different activities. I have the ability to handle any uncertainties- including being told to leave my own home. However, that only made me resilient. Now that I’m with my new family, I’ve created many long-lasting relationships. I’ve ventured a plethora of opportunities for my future. I gained a sense of self worth and motivation. I’ve discovered that not only my genetics solely define my identity, but my ability to handle the obstacles given through them as well.

References Listed

Cassell, Sophie. Examining the Twin Bond: A Look at the Psychological Development of Twins and the Differences in Individuality and Identity Differentiation between Fraternal and Identical Same-Sex Twins. 2011; [cited February 20 2019] Available from: https://auislandora.wrlc.org/islandora/object/1011capstones%3A161

Michalak EE, Yatham LN, Kolesar S, Lam RW. Bipolar disorder and quality of life: A patient-centered perspective. Qual Life Res 2006 [cited February 23 2019] 15:25-37 Available from: http://www.advbiores.net/article.asp?issn=2277-9175;year=2018;volume=7;issue=1;spage=147;epage=147;aulast=Arman#ref1

Lobban F, Taylor K, Murray C, Jones S. Bipolar disorder is a two-edged sword: A qualitative study to understand the positive edge. J Affect Disord 2012;[cited February 22 2019] 141:204-12. Available from: http://www.advbiores.net/article.asp?issn=2277-9175;year=2018;volume=7;issue=1;spage=147;epage=147;aulast=Arman#ref1

Wicks-Nelson R, Israel AC, Wicks-Nelson R. Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall; 2009 [cited February 20 2019]

Wilens TE, Faraone SV, Biederman J. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. JAMA 2004 [cited February 22]292:619-23.

A. Jothi, B. Revathi Priya, Gayatri Devi. Awareness about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder among teenagers. Drug Invention Today. 2018 Nov. [cited February 23 2019] :2152–2155.

Arman S,Maracy M, Salimi H. Parenting Styles and Psychiatric Disorders in Children of Bipolar Parents. Advanced Biomedical Research. 2018 [cited February 22 2019] (1):147. Available from: http://www.advbiores.net/article.asp?issn=2277-9175;year=2018;volume=7;issue=1;spage=147;epage=147;aulast=Arman#ref1 doi:10.4103/abr.abr_131_18

Alizadeh H, Andries C. Interaction of Parenting Styles and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Iranian Parents. Child & Family Behavior Therapy. 2002[cited February 20 2019] 24(3):37–52. Available from: http://www.advbiores.net/article.asp?issn=2277-9175;year=2018;volume=7;issue=1;spage=147;epage=147;aulast=Arman#ref1 doi:10.1300/j019v24n03_03

Stewart, Elizabeth A. Towards the Social Analysis of Twinship. British Journal of Sociology. 2003 [cited February 22 2019] 51(4), 719-737. Available from: https://auislandora.wrlc.org/islandora/object/1011capstones%3A161

Tables

[Table 1] , [Table 2]