In area such as mental health, many aspects can contribute to a role, from life experiences and environment, to biological factors. Genetics is also one of the most most important yet frequently miscomprehended aspects. If you’ve believed that mental health disorders might “run in the family,” the answer is sure. But there’s so much more to the story.
In this article, we will discuss how genetics feature in mental health, what this means to diagnosis and treatment, and how reaching out to a professional mental health expert such as a therapist in Broadview Heights, or one of the best psychiatrist near you can change all.
Are Mental Health Issues Passed Down in Genes?
Yes, mental health conditions can run in the family. Studies demonstrate that mental illnesses (including major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD) also commonly run in families. That’s not to say you’ll necessarily develop a mental illness if a family member has one, but your odds of doing so are higher.
Genetics, think of it as a base. In this way, if someone has a genetic vulnerability to a mental health disorder, specific stressors or environmental factors such as trauma, drug use or major life changes, could bring that condition to life.
Mental Illnesses That Run in the Family
Some of the mental health conditions that are related to genetic factors include:
Depression
In fact, studies report that if you have a family member with a first degree family member with major depression, you are 2 to 3 times more likely to get it yourself.
Anxiety Disorders
There are hereditary factors of generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorders.
Bipolar Disorder
Among the most genetic of psychiatric disorders. The risk for a child is much higher if a parent has bipolar disorder.
Schizophrenia
Studies of the genetics of this disease suggest that there may be an inheritance pattern in some families and that more than one gene may be involved in this disorder.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Twin and family studies indicate a strong genetic influence in children and adults with a diagnosis of ADHD.
But having a family history doesn’t mean you will develop one of these conditions — it only means you’re at greater risk than someone without that history.
Genetics Vs Environment: The Perfect Storm
“Genes load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger.
“Most people have a genetic vulnerability, so that if they are exposed to enough early life stress or childhood trauma, any kind of abuse, if they get into drugs, if they’re stressed for a long time, they may develop a mental illness,” Wasserman said.
Adverse childhood experiences increase the risk, protective factors like a supportive family, coping skills and access to mental health care can mitigate the effect of those inherited risks.
This is why practitioners in the field, including a Broadview Heights counselor, take into account both nature (genes) and nurture (environment) when seeing patients.
How Genetic Understanding Improves Treatment
Knowing the genetic side of mental health can be useful:
- Early detection: “If you know you have a family history, you know to pay attention to symptoms early on and get support sooner rather than later,” Dr. Rau says.
- Personalized treatment: Some genetic tests are able to say how you’re likely to respond to specific drugs, which can help direct your psychiatrist toward the right prescription more quickly.
- More successful therapy results: Therapists may also be able to customize your treatment plan based on both your family history and personal experience of life.
Looking for best psychiatrist near me or a good therapist that can mate you with these individual methods.
Should You Get a Genetic Test for Mental Health?
Now, the science of genetic testing for mental health is still young. And although some tests may inform you about how your body is likely to respond to medications (pharmacogenetic testing), they cannot diagnose, nor predict a disorder with certainty.
That said, discussing with a mental health provider is so helpful, especially to cover your family history. Most of our psychiatrists and counselors near Broadview Heights do consider this information in your first assessment.
When to Seek Help
If you or a family member has a history of mental illness, it’s a good idea to seek out a mental health professional, especially if you find yourself experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or mood swings
- Trouble concentrating
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Inability to keep relationships or hold a job
Just because it is OK now doesn’t mean you must wait for the bottom to fall out. Using early interventions may also result in better outcomes and fewer complications later.
Where to Begin: Finding the Right Mental Health Care
Whether you have symptoms, have questions, or simply need peace of mind, the provider you choose is essential.
When searching for a psychiatrist near me, you can inquire with specialists that are licensed and whose understanding of mental health is both genetic and psychological based. And if you’re local to Broadview Heights, a Broadview Heights therapist can offer you skills and solutions to your specific stressors and challenges.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that genes can affect our mental health; they just don’t determine your fate. Knowing your family’s history, educating yourself about early symptoms and developing a support network are potent ways to manage your mental health.
You’re not traveling alone in this. If you need someone who can diagnose your problems and prescribe medication to treat them, that someone exists, be they a psychiatrist or a local counselor who helps you put thoughts and feelings into words and challenge repetitive patterns. You just have to take the first step.
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