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

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?

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

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