Wordsmith Kaur
  • Home
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Mental Health
  • My Story
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Mental Health
  • My Story
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Wordsmith Kaur
No Result
View All Result
Home Mental Health

Understanding Hereditary or Genetic Factors In Mental Health

Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Autism, ADHD and Depression can be Hereditary

by Harjeet Kaur
January 16, 2025
in Mental Health
Reading Time: 7 mins read
47 1
14
72
SHARES
341
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on whatsapp

Understanding Hereditary or Genetic Factors In Mental Health

Understanding Hereditary or Genetic Factors In Mental Health

Mental health issues are so widespread now. Questions are being asked about the link between hereditary and genetic mental illness. Mental health, especially depression will affect three to four times in the family compared to the average person. Having seen it in my family, I vociferously advocate sharing personal mental health issues. This would help others suffering from the same. So here is Understanding Hereditary or Genetic Factors In Mental Health.

Research has perceived the health risk through hereditary and genetic routes. A study concluded that there was a  1 in 3 chance that children of parents with bipolar, depression or schizophrenia were likely to develop any one of these illnesses. This proves that they are at more risk compared to kids of parents who are not afflicted with major mental health issues.

Understanding Hereditary or Genetic Factors In Mental Health

Pic Courtesy: Nature.com

An ailment passed on in families through genes is called ‘hereditary’. The probability of picking up a mental affliction

People who think that the illness runs in the family, resign themselves to the fact they would have to endure it forever.

Mental health is shrouded in stigma and taboos. When a patient knows that it runs in the family, they feel there is no way out. They are afraid and do not share their family history

Many families of patients hide signs of mental health like brushing them under the carpet. Most people are ignorant about depression, feel ashamed and blame themselves. This shame makes them feel more alone and withdraw into a shell. 

Regular counselling sessions are necessary. The patient clearly and frankly speaks about the mental history in the family. This will help them to be at ease and comfortable about the mental history that runs in the family

Is Mental Illness Hereditary?

Is mental health genetic
Source: Nebula.org

Single gene disorders such as thalassemia or cystic fibrosis can simply be identified by a genetic test. Mental illness is not so discernible. Both the circumstances and genetic deviations establish whether these would lead to a mental disease.

Studies have revealed that only 95% of diseases are determined by circumstances in a person’s life. Only the remaining 5% are affected by the family DNA.

Researchers have found that five major mental disorders seem to be linked to genetic factors.

1. Bipolar Disorder

It is an extremely genetically heritable medical illness that may afflict nearly 1-4% of the population

2. ADHD attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADHD is one of the general neurological disorders of childhood that can carry on to adulthood. Trouble paying attention, hyperactive or unpredictable behaviour are the symptoms of ADHD

3. Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder. Precise genes have been indicated in ASD. It starts in childhood and affects a person’s communication, relationships and social skills.

4. Major Depressive Illness

Depression is a mood disorder that triggers a relentless emotion of being sad and disinterested in everything. Another name for it is clinical depression. This influences your thinking, emotions and behaviour that can manifest into emotional as well as physical problems

5. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is said to be up to 70-80% genetically transferable. Having a family member with the disorder raises the possibility of suffering from schizophrenia in adulthood. However environmental factors do play a huge role as well.

Recent investigations have added five more to this list-

a. Anxiety disorder

b.Eating Disorders

c.Phobias

d.Addictions

e.Postpartum Depression

This shows that the genealogical tree is a pointer to specific mental health disorders. Considering family history while counselling, helps a patient to understand and be mindful of this occurrence.

Environmental factors

There are no specific genetic tests that can predetermine or dismiss whether an individual might be afflicted with a mental disorder. There is ambiguity about the relation of genes or heredity with mental health.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is a method of counselling where patients are asked to play down the genetic or family tree.  With alterations in their lifestyle, they can modify the constitution and activity of the brain.

When someone is diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, they are asked to regulate their activities, change their habits and encourage positivity. This is similar to advise that counsellors give to Mental health patients.

It is not a guarantee that a person may not inherit a mental disorder even after getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, exercising or taking medications. Or won’t develop a mental disorder, or can overlook indicators of mental instability.

It is best to confront the illness and tackle it rather than just nurse a fear of inheriting mental illness if it runs in the family. Depression is an illness and one should get help as soon as possible. Talk about your condition and work towards finding your mojo.

References

  1. Counselling.org
  2. Rethink.org

I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z  by @ Blogchatter 2022

‘This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter’

If you haven’t checked out my theme for A2Z 2022, then do check it out here.

My A post is  Ambrosial Pineapple Cream Pudding.  B post is Strawberry Biscuit Pudding.  C is Chana Dal or tadka Dal, D for Thandai Drink, E for How to eat a juicy Mango, F for Frittata, G for Godh Bharai, H for  Homemade Kulfi, I for Mango Icecream, J for watermelon Juice, K for Matar Kulcha, L for Lazy summer days, M for Munjalu, Palm fruit or Ice Apple, N for Natural Munjalu or Ice Apple Sherbet, O for Offbeat Destination Bhopal, P for Shoppers Paradise-Dilli Haat, Q for 10 Quintessential ways to get cooking without sweating, R for Ram Ladoo, S for Sustainable Travel, T for The Lucknow Heritage Trail.

Tags: ADHDautismbipolardepressionhereditary or genetic factors in mental healthmental healthschizophrenia
Harjeet Kaur

Harjeet Kaur

I’m Harjeet Kaur, the voice behind Wordsmithkaur, a lifestyle blog that’s ranked among India’s Top 20. My writing journey started unexpectedly with articles for The Hindu, and I even had a weekend column that had loyal readership. Over the years, I’ve juggled many hats—content creator, freelance writer, and blogger—all while nurturing my love for words. On my blog, you’ll find a little bit of everything: recipes straight from my kitchen, travel diaries, gardening tips, and stories about beauty, mental health, and sustainability. Cooking is my therapy, and I take pride in turning simple, traditional recipes into gourmet dishes—with love as my secret ingredient. I write to connect, to share, and to inspire. Whether it’s content for social media, blogs, or brochures, I thrive on crafting stories that resonate. If it’s writing you need, I’m your go-to wordsmith. Take a peek into my world—I promise there’s always something interesting waiting for you.

Related Posts

How to Choose Custom Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Keep
Lifestyle

How to Choose Custom Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Keep

April 16, 2025
Tips-for-Healthy-Sleep-Habits-for-Adolescent-Mental-Health
Mental Health

Zzz’s: Tips for Healthy Sleep Habits for Adolescent Mental Health

January 16, 2025
Benefits-of-Yoga-Meditation-for-Adolescent-Mental-Health
Mental Health

Benefits of Yoga & Meditation for Adolescent Mental Health

January 16, 2025
Xenophobia-and-its-Effects-on-Adolescents
Mental Health

Xenophobia and its Effects on Adolescents

January 16, 2025
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Promoting-Mental-Well-being-in-Indian-Adolescents-1.jpg
Mental Health

Promoting Mental Well-being in Indian Adolescents

January 16, 2025
Effect of Violence in Adolescents
Mental Health

 Violence and Its Effects on Adolescent Mental Health

January 16, 2025

Comments 14

  1. Priyanka (aka ‘Pri’) says:
    3 years ago

    True! It’s a hard hitting fact that most mental illnesses have a genetic component. However, one cannot sit and brood over it.
    Precaution is key.

    Reply
  2. Swarnali Nath says:
    3 years ago

    Harjeet this is a very useful post for all of us. I came to know about so many things from this article. Also, I am afraid my mom had suffered from anxiety disorders few years ago so there might be a chance for me to develop this too. I have already suffered from anxiety attacks. Let me dive deep further. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu says:
    3 years ago

    A very informative and well-articulated blog! I learned a lot today.

    Reply
  4. Surbhi Prapanna says:
    3 years ago

    Yes genetic factor has strong influence on anyone’s personality and it includes mental health too. sadly we can not change this thing but we can improve our lifestyle and can work on thinking pattern to improve our mental health and well being. dear, you have explained all things so well in this post.

    Reply
  5. CINDY DSILVA says:
    3 years ago

    I didn’t know mental disorders were genetic. I hope and pray that all these disorders are dealt with as soon as they are diagnosed in a person. Otherwise it can make life hell for the patient as well as their family.

    Reply
  6. Shilpa Garg says:
    3 years ago

    Yes, have seen Schizophrenia running in two generations in a friend’s family! And another one with paranoia. It’s kind of scary. But as you rightly mentioned altering lifestyle, meditation, managing stress can help. Thanks for an informative and insightful post, Harjeet!

    Reply
  7. Swati Mathur says:
    3 years ago

    This is very insightful post Harjeet. As MentalHealth issues has become very common it is important that people know what it is only than corrective action can be taken.

    Reply
  8. Afreen Ansari says:
    3 years ago

    This is quite an informative and insightful article that clears so many misconception and taught me so much more. Great one

    Reply
  9. Neha Sharma says:
    3 years ago

    Until a few years back I was alien to all that mental health related problems because as you said it was considered a taboo and there were no such awareness about it. But thanks to mental health advocates for bringing this topic to light and giving a platform for people to open up about their issues. Thank you for writing this post, this is something I was not aware of.

    Reply
  10. MeenalSonal says:
    3 years ago

    Mental health is slowly breaking the taboo and with this post I am sure many people will start analysing their family history and their actions in to sync and meet the counsellors and therapists as required to emerge as winners.

    Reply
  11. Roma says:
    3 years ago

    I am so glad you chose to pen on this. I honestly didn’t know about the genetic link at all. Thank you for enriching all of us

    Reply
  12. Jyoti says:
    3 years ago

    This is very informative . My MIL is having having Schizophrenia and we are dealing with it . I never knew it is genetic .

    Reply
  13. Yogita Joshi says:
    3 years ago

    Very informative blog. You penned and explained everything so perfectly. I learned alot from your blog post today. As mental health is a great concern, this is a must read post

    Reply
  14. Outset Books says:
    3 years ago

    This is a vast topic in itself and once we immerse ourselves, we realise we ar at the tip of the ocean. Mental health and heredity is a topic that is relevant on all times..

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow Us


Instagram@wordsmithkaur

Twitter@wordsmithkaur

Vote for Me

Tripoto
IndiBlogger - The Largest Indian Blogger Community


Empowering you to live your best life with inspiration, wisdom, and practical tips. Let's create a lifestyle that truly resonates with you.

Recent Posts

A perfect pub

The Signs You’ve Found Your Perfect Local

May 13, 2025
Manicured hands and feet

How This Light-Based Treatment Is Beating Fungal Infections

May 1, 2025

Quick Links

  • Home
  • My Story
  • Hire Me
  • Accolades
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Categories

  • A2Z Challenge
  • Beauty
  • Blogchatter
  • Blogchatter-Write a Page a day
  • Fitness
  • Food
  • Guest Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Mental Health
  • Recipes
  • Scool Reunion
  • Sponsored Post
  • Travel
Copyright © 2020 WordSmithKaur. All Rights Reserved.

Designed & Developed by Agyle Studio.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Mental Health
  • My Story
  • Contact

© 2020 Wordsmith Kaur by Harjeet Kaur.