Is Mental Illness Hereditary?

Could your DNA reveal mental illness traits? Upload raw DNA data to learn more about your mental illness genetic predisposition.

We’ve always known that certain mental illnesses tend to run in families.  We also know today that specific mental health conditions -- such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression -- are more likely to arise from our genes.  

But do certain genes condemn you to mental illness? 

Environment is still the primary factor when talking about mental health.  However, knowing that you have a genetic predisposition toward a mental health problem can motivate you to make life choices that minimize chances of suffering from the condition. Also, the entire field of Freudian psychotherapy has been flipped on its head in the last few decades, as advances in pharmaceutical interventions (prescription drugs) have proven widely successful in treating most mental illnesses.  So, if your genes suggest a predisposition to mental illness, you can start educating yourself – and taking steps to prevent an onset of illness --- today.

How Important Are Genetics to Mental Illness?

It appears that our environment (for example, childhood trauma, combat-related PTSD, or substance abuse) is what determines whether most mental health conditions in our genes are “activated” (sometimes the word “triggered” is also used).  

For example, an individual with genetic markers for depression who lives a life free of trauma/stress may never become depressed.  Conversely, many people may develop mental illness without any genetic predisposition.  

How To Find Your Mental Health Genetics

You can obtain a DNA profile from companies like 23andme and Ancestry.  Then, you can upload your DNA data to Genomelink for a comprehensive analysis of your genetic traits.  Some of the amazing traits examined on Genomelink include:

·        Anxious Temperament

·        Hedonic Well-being

·        Hoarding

·        Impact of Traumatic Life Events on Psychotic-like Experiences

·        Irritable Temperament

·        Positive Affect

·        Depression

·        Empathy

·        Eudaimonic Well-being

·        Highly Sensitive Personality

·        Impact of Autistic Traits on Social Anxiety

·        Seasonal Mood Swings

·        Violent Aggression

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers can also help you identify whether your individual symptoms indicate a potential mental health issue.

Is Mental Health Genetic or Environmental?

Here we run into a chicken & egg-style problem:  The interplay of your genetics and environment are so multi-layered and complex that it becomes very difficult to tease out a single gene (or group of genes) responsible for mental health issues.  

But there is progress in this direction.  For example, variations in the COMT gene have been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia, while the SERT gene has been associated with a higher likelihood of developing depression. For some perspective:  the first time human DNA was successfully mapped out was only 20 years ago.  Today, we are actually linking specific genes – out of the 25,000 genes in the human genome – to specific mental conditions.

Now, imagine where genetic science couldl be in 20 years…This is why it’s a great idea to upload your DNA to Genomelink and stay posted on the latest findings in genetic science.

What Does Mental Illness Look Like?

The Mayo Clinic lists these common symptom of mental illness:

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thinking

There are many solid resources for mental health issues online from reputable sources, including

·        Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

·        National Institute of Mental Health (NIH)

·        American Psychological Association (APA)

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What Environmental Factors Cause Mental Disorders?

Healthline lays out these common environmental triggers for mental illness:

• life stressors, such as divorce, loss of a loved one, or losing a job
• childhood trauma and abuse
• dealing with chronic medical conditions
• chemical imbalances in the brain
• drug and alcohol abuse
• being isolated from others and experiencing loneliness

What Can I Do to Avoid Mental Health Issues? 

Start by uploading your DNA to Genomelink and stay posted on the latest findings about mental illness.