From the Guidelines
Having the same gene as your grandmother does not guarantee you will develop the same mental illness, as most mental illnesses result from a complex interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. While genetics can increase your risk for certain mental health conditions, your overall risk depends on your complete genetic makeup, life experiences, stress exposure, and other environmental influences 1.
Key Considerations
- The identification of a deterministic genetic mutation associated with a mental health condition can increase confidence in the etiology, but this is relatively rare and usually follows an autosomal dominant pattern, often causing symptoms at a relatively young age 1.
- Genetic testing for susceptibility loci is not clinically recommended due to limited clinical utility and poor predictive value, and should only be considered after thorough genetic counseling with a qualified clinician 1.
- If you're concerned about your mental health risk, consider speaking with a healthcare provider who specializes in genetics or mental health, as they can provide personalized risk assessment, early screening if appropriate, and preventive strategies such as stress management techniques, maintaining social connections, regular physical activity, and avoiding substance use.
Preventive Strategies
- Stress management techniques
- Maintaining social connections
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding substance use
- Early screening and personalized risk assessment by a healthcare provider specializing in genetics or mental health
Importance of Family History
Understanding your family history is valuable for awareness, but it doesn't predetermine your mental health outcomes. A family history consistent with autosomal dominant early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) or a first-degree relative with Alzheimer's disease can provide more precise risk estimates, but these are exceptions rather than the rule 1.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling should be an exploration of personal experiences, values, and beliefs, and should discuss the potential impact of genetic testing on the individual and their family, as well as the limitations and risks associated with testing 1.
From the Research
Genetic Predisposition and Mental Illness
- The relationship between genetic predisposition and mental illness is complex, with multiple factors contributing to the development of a disorder 2, 3.
- Research suggests that learning about one's genetic risk for a mental disorder can have negative clinical implications, such as decreased confidence in coping with symptoms 2.
- However, education and counseling about the non-deterministic nature of genes' effects on depression can mitigate these negative effects 2, 4.
Inheritance of Mental Illness
- Mental disorders are relatively highly heritable, yet complex with important interactions between genetic risk and environmental factors in determining illness expression 3.
- The potential impact of genetic counseling for mental illness is broad, and may include reducing guilt, shame, and stigma associated with mental illness, as well as providing recurrence risks and education about the environment 3, 4.
Genetic Counseling and Testing
- Genetic counseling is an important clinical service that can provide individuals with information about their genetic risk for mental disorders, as well as help them explore conceptions, fears, and adaptive strategies 4.
- The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 is an important legislation that protects individuals from genetic discrimination, including those with mental disorders or at risk for developing them 5.
Model Organisms and Mental Health Research
- Research using model organisms, such as mice and zebrafish, can contribute to the understanding of the molecular pathology underlying mental health disorders 6.
- These approaches can help identify quantitative biomarkers and novel therapeutics for mental health disorders, and can inform the development of genetic counseling and testing for these conditions 6.