Modern science has shown us that genetics determine the traits and features we possess, but can genetics also determine our predisposition for inheriting mental health disorders? Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that many mental health disorders are caused by a combination of biological, environmental, psychological, and genetic factors.
Is Mental Illness Hereditary?
Genealogy can be a complex topic, so it is essential to first understand what exactly genes are. Genes are made up of DNA and carry the hereditary information that determines the traits or characteristics that are passed down to you from your parents.
As scientists continue to explore the origins of mental health disorders, it has been recognized that genes can play a role in the development of these issues. According to case studies conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, mental health disorders have the potential to run in families and may have hereditary roots.
Researchers discovered a genetic basis for mental disease for the first time back in the 1980s when they uncovered that people with bipolar disorder shared a chromosomal mutation. Researchers found that patients with at least one of five mental health illnesses — attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, and autism — were all more likely to have abnormalities in chromosomes 3 and 10.
In an informational MedLife video, Psychiatrist Dr. Domenick Sportelli speaks about the genetic link to children with depression.
“If you have a genetic predisposition to depression or if you have first-degree relatives that have severe depression, your likelihood of developing depression is very high,” he explains. “It’s much higher than the average population by 4-6x.”
Dr. Sportelli goes on to say that having a first-degree relative with depression may predispose you to depression, but that doesn’t mean you will be depressed, “There is always the psychosocial stuff, how you were raised, the experiences that you have, the resilience you’ve developed over that period.” But it also means you might develop depression more easily, he says.
The findings of numerous scientists demonstrate that there is a hereditary link to mental health conditions. However, you might not be prone to mental illness even if you have a genetic tendency to it. Your life experiences, as well as a variety of other factors, will influence whether or not you develop a mental health disorder.
Other Causes of Mental Illnesses
Genetic factors are just one of the many causes of mental health illnesses. Some other contributing factors that could increase your likelihood of developing a mental health illness include biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Biological
Biological factors are any physical, chemical, genetic, or neurological condition associated with psychological disturbances such as infections and prenatal damage. Poor sleep and bad eating habits can further the biological impact on the development of a mental illness.
Environmental
Scientists define environmental factors as elements that are not acquired from a gene. These include traumatic experiences, ranging from abuse, becoming a victim of a crime, a relationship breakup, divorce, death, significant changes, financial hardships, and more.
Psychological
Psychological factors are also a contributing factor to mental health disorders. These elements include emotional, physical, or sexual abuse that someone of a young age edures that leads to severe psychological damage.
Mapping Out Your Family History
A practical method you can use to assess your risk or a family member’s risk of inheriting mental illness is to map out your family history by creating a Genogram. Genograms provide a way for us to examine patterns of depression, addiction and other traits of mental illness.
A genogram is similar to a family tree, except it goes into deeper detail about how the family members interact, allowing the creators to visualize patterns and psychological factors that affect relationships. A family tree, for example, might reveal that “Liz and Mark are married with two children.” In contrast, a genogram might tell us that “Liz and Mark are married, but they are emotionally estranged from one another, and only Mark spends meaningful time with their children.”
Genograms can provide insight that might be otherwise overlooked and a better understanding of family history. The substantial evidence that these disorders can be passed down can provide assurance if you are unsure about a diagnosis or worried that you are at risk.
Mental Health Signs to Look For
Another effective technique you can use to look at your genes and assess your personal risk is to watch out for early signs of mental health issues. These signs include:
- A feeling of sadness or helplessness
- Trouble focusing or the inability to concentrate
- Overwhelming fears or worries
- Feelings of guilt and remorse
- Sudden mood changes of highs and lows
- Disinterest in interacting with friends and activities
- Extreme fatigue and low energy or problems sleeping
- Suicidal thoughts
Learning how to recognize the early indicators of mental health difficulties has the potential to reduce their severity. If you are worried that you may have a mental health disorder, document all instances of these indicators and share them with a professional. Proper treatment can assist individuals in dealing with these challenges and increase overall well-being. .
Mental Health Resources
It may be hard to nail down if an individual’s mental health illness is hereditary. However, if you or someone you know may be suffering from premature signs, it may be worth speaking to a mental health specialist. Thrive Peer Support provides proven behavioral health services to people struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Our peer support program restores hope by embracing all pathways to recovery and providing compassionate, comprehensive continuing care.
