A vast number of genes have been associated with increased risk for mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, addiction, binge eating, bipolar disorder, anti-social and compulsive behaviours, alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, opioid dependence and cannabis-associated psychosis.
Although DNA testing cannot be used to provide or predict a mental health diagnosis, it can highlight specific areas of genetic vulnerability, and offer insight into lifestyle intervention strategies to counteract genetic risks.
How do genes affect our mental health?
Mental well-being depends on the complex regulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, which continuously build up and break down in the body.
Our genes influence the pace of neurotransmitter metabolism in our own bodies, which in turn affects the levels of circulating neurochemicals that regulate our mood and emotional health.
However, mental health is multi-faceted. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression and anxiety are likely the result of a combination of life experiences (trauma), environment (stress), and genetic variation.1
Can lifestyle interventions override genetic risks for mental illness?
While depression and anxiety symptoms can be successfully treated with reputable pharmacological protocols, the role of nutrition and lifestyle in both the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions are often neglected.
However, advancements in nutrigenomic testing have created an opportunity for healthcare practitioners to treat genetic predispositions to mental health disorders more holistically.
A 3X4 Genetics Test examines the genetic impact on individual utilisation and degradation of neurochemicals, which can explain a patient’s unique responsiveness to biochemical reward pathways, genetic barriers to impulse control, and genetic susceptibility to environmental stressors and addictive triggers.
Understanding exactly where genetic risks lie, enables health professionals to create a targeted treatment approach, according to the DNA variation of their patients.
Some genetic risks can be averted through nutritional support as certain micronutrients can upregulate genetically inefficient biochemical processes.
A commonly cited example is genetic variation of the MTHFR gene in the methylation pathway:
Carriers of certain MTHFR variants are more susceptible to a B-vitamin deficiency, and thus more susceptible to depression as a result of deficiency. However, targeted supplementation with vitamins B6, B12 and B9 (folate) can compensate for hereditary weakness and thereby reduce the predisposition to depression.
Furthermore, carriers of the high-risk MTHFR variant may also experience reduced responsiveness to anti-depressant medication as a knock-on result of B-vitamin deficiency.
Compensating for genetic risk through B-vitamin supplementation will similarly improve medication responsiveness.
Thus, genetic methylation testing can add enormous value to the treatment of depression, and reduce the occurrence of treatment-resistant depression.
Pharmacogenomic Management of Mental Health
Pharmacogenomic screening can provide invaluable insight into the most beneficial drug prescriptions for treating depression and anxiety. This type of DNA test addresses genetic variation in relation to drug metabolism.
A PharmaGene Pharmacogenomics Test will identify both suitable and unsuitable drug choices according to a patient’s genetic proficiency in metabolising the active ingredients.
Lifestyle Management of Mental Health
A multitude of lifestyle interventions can be adopted to improve mental health, including single nutrient supplementation, caffeine and sugar restriction, fasting, gut health support, cold water plunging, exercise, and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
However, knowing which lifestyle interventions to prioritise, depends on your DNA.
Evaluation of the different genetic pathways that play a role in mental health -including methylation, inflammation and detoxification - will provide an essential guide to the most pertinent intervention strategies for your unique genetic constitution.
The 3X4 Blueprint Report includes a comprehensive outline of genetic health risks across 36 biochemical pathways, including a detailed overview of genetic influences on mood and behaviour.
According to the department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Stanford University, no one simply inherits depression and anxiety from their mother or father. Each person inherits a unique combination of genes from their parents, and certain gene combinations can predispose us to specific illnesses.2Nonetheless, although mental health conditions might run in your family, genetics won’t necessarily have the final say.
References:
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/looking-at-my-genes
- https://med.stanford.edu/depressiongenetics/mddandgenes