Are Mental Illnesses Hereditary?

Researchers have acknowledged for an extended period that mental illnesses often exhibit familial patterns. However, it is crucial to emphasise that the presence of mental disorder in a family member does not ensure the manifestation of same condition in an individual. This article delves into the question of whether mental illness is influenced by genetics and examines various factors that contribute to the overall risk of developing a mental disorder.

Is Mental Illness Genetic?

Mental illness is a complex issue that researchers have yet to comprehend fully. However, genetic seems to play a significant role in the development of such conditions. While environmental factors such as upbringing can also contribute to the prevalence of certain mental health issues in families, some conditions are more strongly connected to genetics. Studies have shown that certain genetic factors are shared among individuals who suffer from these disorders. However, mental illnesses cannot be solely attributed to genes. No single gene variant can be said to definitively cause a mental disorder. Therefore, even if there is a history of mental illness in the family, it does not necessarily mean that a person will develop the same condition.

What Does Research Say?

It has been long acknowledged that psychiatric disorders can run in families, and recent evidence shows that they are influenced by thousands of genetic variations acting concurrently. Most of these variations are quite common, which means that everyone has a genetic risk for each psychiatric disorder, ranging from low to high. Several large-scale genetic studies have discovered a growing number of common and rare genetic variations strongly associated with major psychiatric disorders.

Does Family History Play a Part?

It is currently not possible to use genetic testing to determine if you have certain genes or gene combinations that increase your susceptibility to a particular mental disorder. However, examining your family history can provide insights into your potential risk. Some mental disorders tend to be hereditary, so if a close relative has a condition, it could indicate that you are more likely to develop it, too. However, having a family member with a mental disorder does not guarantee that you will also be affected by it. Nonetheless, knowing the risk may help you recognise any warning signs early on. Identifying symptoms at an early stage can lead to better outcomes, as timely treatment can be provided.

Estimating Your Risk

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are conditions that have a strong genetic component. According to a study, the heritability of schizophrenia is nearly 80%, and bipolar disorder is 44-90%. The two conditions also have a significant risk of co-morbidity due to the shared genetic effects.

Reducing Your Risk

It is not possible to completely reduce your risk; however, certain steps can help.

• Get enough sleep

• Exercise

• Eat a healthy diet

• Have a social life

• Manage your stress

• Meditate

• Limit alcohol and substance abuse

• Get help when needed