Mental illnesses are an unfortunately common occurrence in different countries across the globe, and the United States is no exception. Did you know that the CDC estimates that about 1 in 25 people in the US live with a severe mental disease?
Mental illnesses significantly affect productivity, quality of life, and overall well-being. Various factors can lead to mental health illnesses, including social, psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. It is increasingly necessary for individuals to take charge of their mental well-being by assessing their risk factors in these areas.
This article will take you through the viability of assessing the genetic component of mental illness. The study on genetic tests in psychiatric disorders by Demkow, U., & Wolańczyk, T. (2017), published in the Translational Psychiatry Journal, emphasizes the genetic complexity of mental diseases such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorder, among other illnesses.
They postulate that understanding the genetic classification of these diseases may influence their management.
Individuals may, therefore, empower themselves by undergoing genetic testing for mental illness, primarily when there exists a family history of an ailment. A formal diagnosis will lead to improved personal care and greater knowledge of what triggers a condition.
To find out more about how genetic testing may impact your mental health, read on:
Table of Contents
Causes and Risk Factors of Mental Illnesses
It is a fascinating process to use genetics as a tool for assessing the causes of mental illnesses. Most mental illnesses have a genetic underpinning that combines with other factors to cause an incidence.
Additionally, the risk factors that may increase your predisposition to mental disease vary significantly. These include:
Biological Factors:
Heredity/genetics, brain injury/defects, infections, prenatal damage, low nutrition, and exposure to toxins such as lead.
Environmental Factors:
Cultural or social expectations, change of school or job, a dysfunctional family, divorce, death, low self-esteem.
Psychological Factors:
Sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional trauma, and neglect.
Socio-Economic Factors:
Unemployment, debt, poverty, low income, lack of education, and unstable living conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness
The signs of mental health conditions can vary significantly based on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. The symptoms you manifest can affect your behavior, thoughts, and emotions. These symptoms include:
- Feeling extreme sadness
- Extreme mood swings
- Confusion or inability to concentrate
- Low energy and constant fatigue
- Violence, hostility, or excessive anger
- Drug use and alcohol abuse
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Worry, fear, or feelings of guilt
- Suicidal thoughts
Advantages of Genetic Testing in Mental Health
Genetic testing for mental illness may be the future of great psychiatric care. Mental health conditions can run in families, meaning that your genes may increase your risk of mental illnesses.
A study by Lawrence, R. E., & Appelbaum, P. S. (2010) in the Psychiatry Journal highlights the benefits of genetic testing, particularly in obtaining appropriate treatment. The mental health-related benefits you will get after getting a genetic test include:
Customized Treatment Plans:
It is essential to identify the best treatment plan based on your specific mental illness and its characteristics. A tailor-made treatment plan is helpful as it suits your unique needs and circumstances. To meet these needs, consider taking the following actions:
Tailored Medication Plan:
Genetic testing reveals how your genetic composition affects your response to various medications. Pharmacogenomics determines which medication will work for you and which medications will have adverse reactions. Once you are tested, this also eliminates the need for a trial and error treatment.
Traditionally, the prescription of psychiatric medication was highly dependent on trial and error processes. Trial and error is time-consuming and can frustrate patients. As such, there is no doubt that genetic testing for mental diseases enhances fast and effective treatment.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy for mental illness patients aims at providing extra support to the patients. With genetic testing, you will get precise medication from your healthcare provider.
For instance, results from your test might reveal that you are more likely to respond to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) than other forms of treatment.
The genetic information obtained can also guide you on customized interventions and advise you on other changes, such as dietary modification or dietary supplements for your mental condition.
Early Detection and Prevention:
Mental conditions have devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects, including sadness, reduced productivity, and poor overall health. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and targeted treatment help manage mental illness.
Risk Assessment:
Genetic tests create a platform for predictive testing as they can identify people who have a high hereditary risk of developing mental illnesses. This information is essential as it allows you to consider early intervention strategies.
Concerning risk evaluation, family history combined with genetic testing offers a more comprehensive risk assessment. As a result, mental health practitioners can identify the people who require more evaluation, close monitoring, and early intervention.
Preventive Measures:
To address mental health illnesses, you must consider proactive monitoring. Once you identify as a high-risk patient, it is easy to monitor yourself closely for early intervention before the disease progresses.
Additionally, you can embrace a lifestyle change since your genetic composition might put you at risk for mental conditions. You can consider changes such as eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and exercising regularly.
Reduced Stigma:
Stigma is one of the negative effects of mental illness. Genetic testing confirms that your condition is hereditary rather than a result of personal failings. Researchers argue that testing might increase the culture of inclusion and acceptance of people battling with mental illness. You can also support this through educational campaigns to raise community awareness of mental illnesses.
Empowerment and Control:
Information from genetic testing empowers you and puts you in charge of your mental health. Lawrence, R. E., & Appelbaum, P. S. highlighted previous studies showing that most individuals believed knowing their genetic compositions posing a risk to their body would help them feel more prepared to treat it.
To care for your mind using a genetic lens, you must make informed decisions based on your test results. You will also understand the impact your genes have on your mental health, and this will allow you to choose your lifestyle carefully.
Conclusion
Genetic testing for mental illness is an essential consideration as it enables you to understand your mental health markers and the required form of treatment.
Once you test positive for a mental health condition as a result of your genetic makeup, you will be given a customized treatment plan to address the illness. Apart from reducing stigma from the already existing mental illness cases, it also ensures early detection for timely intervention.
