Have you witnessed any mental health issues running in your family? Is there any illness some of your family members are suffering? Are you also worried about any genetic health issues?
Health-related issues either they are physical or psychological, they can run in families. You must know that many physical disorders are genetic. In the same way, some of the mental illnesses can also run in families.
Do mental mental health issues run in families?
You must be aware of many diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, poor sightedness, or allergies that run in families. Or they can make you vulnerable to many health conditions.
So, there can be mental illnesses too which run in families or can make you vulnerable to mental health conditions.
Which mental disorders are genetic?
Not all mental disorders are genetic. According to a 2012 study, about 5 % of diseases are genetic, whereas 95 % are environmental. Some of the genetic mental illnesses we are going to discuss here.
- Psychotic disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Developmental disorders
Genetic factors of mental disorders
The exact causes of mental disorders are not fully understood. Genetics is one reason out of many. Research suggests that many genetic factors cause these disorders. Some of the most common factors are:
- Inherited Traits
- Environmental Exposure Before Birth
- Brain Chemistry
- Epigenetic regulation
- Genetic polymorphism
- Single gene changes
Impact of family history on mental illnesses
Family history determines an individual’s risk of developing a mental illness. If any of your close family members have experienced a mental health condition. Then you may be more likely to experience it yourself. It means that you may have a higher risk of developing one.
By being aware of your family history, you can take steps to manage your mental health. Always remember that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of their family history.
According to research, Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are because of genetics. One study found that the heritability was 64% for schizophrenia. And for bipolar disorder, the heritability was 59%. There was also a high risk of comorbidity for the two conditions due to the shared genetic effects.
Conclusion
Mental health is a very important part of your life. A healthy mind can handle a healthy body. So, it is important to take care of your mental health.
Mental health like physical illnesses can run in families. So it is very important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues.
However, it’s crucial to note that having a family history of a particular mental health issue doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the same condition.
It increases the risk but other factors—such as environmental influences, lifestyle, stress, and individual experiences—also play significant roles in the development of mental health disorders.
There are many ways to take care of your mental health. First, you have to focus on yourself. And you should try to develop a positive self-image to live a positive life. There are many resources available, including mental health professionals, support groups, and hotlines.
Remember that it is okay to ask for help and that you are not alone. There is no shame in seeking help. Your life is a great blessing. So, taking care of your mental health is very important to live a happy and healthy life.
