Are Mental Health Issues Hereditary? Types and Genetic Role

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Are Mental Health Issues Hereditary?

Mental health issues include different types of conditions that can affect the thoughts, moods, and behaviors of an individual.

If one of your family members has mental health issues, you may wonder if it is hereditary and you could also suffer from a mental health condition in the future. Also, if you are suffering from a mental health condition, you could be wondering if your children are at risk of inheriting the condition from you.

Research suggests that mental health illness most likely has a genetic component, but they are usually caused by a combination of hereditary (genetic) and environmental components. Certain mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are more closely associated with genetics compared to other types of mental health illnesses.

Studies related to the connection between mental health issues and genetics are still ongoing. In this article, we will be discussing if mental health issues could run in the family.

• What are the causes of mental health issues?
• How do genetic factors play a role in mental health problems?
• What types of mental health problems could be hereditary?
• How to reduce the risk of developing mental health problems?

What are the causes of mental health problems?

Mental health problems could develop due to several reasons, like:

• Genetics: Mental health illness could be hereditary and be passed on to the biological family members through genes. However, it is not necessary that you will develop a mental health condition if it runs in your family and you could simply inherit the gene for mental illness, but never develop it. 
• Infections and illnesses: Certain illnesses and infections may lead to brain damage and the development of certain mental health disorders.
• Brain injury: A traumatic brain injury could lead to different types of mental health disorders.  ( Know more about- What is Brain injury ? )
• Brain defects: When there is a disruption in the brain development of the fetus, it could result in a brain defect, which may lead to a mental health condition such as autism.
• Drug abuse: Long-term drug abuse can lead to various types of mental health illnesses.
• Environmental factors: Certain factors like cultural or social expectations, a dysfunctional family, etc. could lead to a mental illness.
• Psychological factors: Mental, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse could lead to a mental illness.
• Poisoning: In some rare cases, mental health disorders such as psychotic episodes can be caused due to exposure to harmful toxins, such as mercury or lead.

How do genetic factors play a role in mental health problems?

Genes could act in many different ways to cause mental illness issues. The various genetic factors that could cause a mental illness are:

• Single gene expression: One gene in the body activates and triggers the body to cause a physical or mental illness. This type of gene expression rarely causes mental health disorders.
• Epigenetic expression: A gene in the body could express itself or not at various times during life, especially due to environmental factors. The gene expression is not always predictable. You will usually not develop a mental illness unless you have a specific combination of active genes and other factors.
• Gene polymorphisms: Genetic polymorphisms are the DNA changes that distinguish you from others, even your siblings or an identical twin. Even with these DNA differences, you will still require a combination of social, environmental, biological, or genetic factors to develop a mental illness.

What types of mental health problems could be hereditary?

Some types of mental health issues have more chances of running in the family, such as:

• • Depression: Although the condition is not solely genetic, the condition can run in families. A combination of genetic and environmental factors can make an individual susceptible to depression. ( Know more about- What is Depression? )
  • Anxiety: Anxiety disorders like panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder could occur due to genetic factors, along with environmental and psychological factors.
  • Bipolar disorder: This condition is characterized by extreme mood swings in which the patient alternates between hypomania and severe depression. You have a strong chance of developing this condition if either of your parents or siblings suffers from this condition.
  • Schizophrenia: This disorder usually develops in late childhood or early adulthood. A person affected by this condition experiences hallucinations and delusions, which means he or she suffers from antisocial behavior and may have difficulty performing daily functions. Schizophrenia is associated with strong hereditary links.
  • Autism spectrum disorders: These are neurological and developmental disorders that affect how people communicate, interact with other people, learn, and behave. The condition usually runs in families, with genetic components playing an important role in its development.

• Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder or ADHD: People with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, are hyperactive, or have difficulty controlling impulsive behavior. Genetic factors are known to play an important part in its development.

How to reduce the risk of developing mental health problems?

Although mental health issues could be hereditary, it does not mean that if someone in your immediate family has a mental illness, you will surely develop the condition. You can reduce your risk of developing a mental health issue by taking good care of your physical and mental health in the following ways:

• Manage stress by meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques.
• Eat well-balanced and healthy meals including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol.
• Quit smoking.
• Do some form of moderate-intensity exercise every day.
• Get sufficient, good-quality sleep.
• Do not hesitate to consult a psychologist if you are having any mental health-related problems. ( Know more about- What is psychotherapy ? )

We hope that we were able to answer your question about whether mental health issues are hereditary through this article.

If you want more information about mental health issues, you can contact a good psychologist.

We only aim to give you information through the article and do not recommend any medication or treatment in any way. Only a qualified doctor can give you the best advice. Get more treatments at best hospitals like Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore.