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About a month ago a study (abstract) was published about how a father's age affects the psychiatric health of his children. Due to a misleading press release about the study's results, it was widely reported that children born to father over 45 years of age were 3.5 times more likely to have autism, 13 times more likely to have ADHD, 2 times more likely to have a psychotic disorder, 25 times more likely to have bipolar disorder, and 2.5 times more likely to have suicidal behavior or a substance abuse problem.
But statistical analysis is hard and non-intuitive, particularly for people who aren't expert statisticians. It turns out that the real-life rates of psychiatric problems are significantly less, putting this most recent study's results in line with those of previous related studies.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday April 09 2014, @01:52AM
With respect, I think a just as valid worry is what it does to a kid to grow up with a bipolar parent.
(Score: 2) by Bot on Wednesday April 09 2014, @06:34PM
I am more than bipolar, I am BINARY, and I spawn children with no problems, you insensitive clod.
As I see it, since no undo action is possible, loving your offspring and showing them your affection fights lots of potential problems. In fact, children become more responsible when faced with problems.
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