At MKGenetix, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive genetic counseling services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families. Today, we’re focusing on an area that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: psychiatric genetic counseling. Many people are unaware of how genetics can play a role in psychiatric conditions, and understanding this connection can be crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Understanding the Genetic Components of Psychiatric Conditions
Psychiatric conditions, such as depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders, can be influenced by genetic factors. The most well studied are bipolar and schizophrenia. While not all psychiatric conditions are hereditary, research has shown that genetics can contribute to the chance of developing symptoms. This means that understanding your genetic background can be an important piece of the puzzle in managing mental health.
Anecdotally I have heard it said that some people that think their mental health diagnosis is the result of something that “happened” to them such as a childhood trauma, tend to expect that the best treatment method will be supportive in the form of counseling. While others that think their mental health diagnosis is the result of something inherited, tend to expect that the best treatment method will be medicinal. However, of course neither of these scenarios are 100% because there are many complicated factors which lead to a diagnosis of a mental health concern. Knowing that, it make sense that treatment is rarely successful when only one methodology is used. Let us help you better understand the complexities of the diagnosis.
Why Seek Genetic Counseling for Psychiatric Conditions?
- Risk Assessment and Family History
While we can use your family history to obtain a better understanding of the inherited factors which may contribute to a psychiatric condition, the discussion more often relates to a deeper understanding of the complexities of genetic variants and inheritance and less a concrete risk assessment. This is because of the multifactorial nature of psychiatric conditions. During a genetic counseling sessions, we will collect a detailed family history to discuss your own personalized situation.
- Management Strategies
We will not recommend specific changes to your management strategies if you’ve been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition and we will not be able to make a formal diagnosis of a new psychiatric codntion. We can, however discuss your current management strategies and potentially brainstorm options that could better suite your needs after a more complete understanding of the genetic and non-genetic factors of condition have been explored.
If you’re concerned about specific medications during pregnancy and the impact on a fetus, we can also discuss what is known about specific medications. Please know that generally, it is typically better for most pregnant people to remain on their prescribed medications to ensure their own health. However, changes should be discussed with your prescribing provider directly.
- Support and Resources
We can discuss information on available support groups, resource and even research or clinical trials if you’re interested. We can offer coping strategies and psychosocial support.
Challenges in Psychiatric Genetic Counseling
While the benefits of psychiatric genetic counseling are significant, there are also challenges:
- Stigma: There is still stigma surrounding mental health and psychiatric conditions, which can be a barrier to seeking help.
- Complexity: The genetic basis of psychiatric conditions is complex and often involves multiple genes and environmental interactions.
- Access: Access to genetic counseling is often limited since most genetic counselors do not see patients for psychiatric indications.
How MKGenetix Can Help
At MKGenetix, we are committed to providing compassionate and expert genetic counseling for psychiatric conditions. Our services include:
- Family History Assessment: We conduct thorough evaluations of family history to identify potential genetic contributing factors.
- Genetic Testing: in RARE cases, the personal or family history suggests an underlying genetic syndrome. If that is the case, we can offer options for genetic testing. This is NOT the case for the vast majority of individuals with a psychiatric condition.
- Personalized Consultations: Providing detailed explanations of genetic test results such as pharmacogenomic results (these tests help to determine someone’s genetic variants that alter how they may process certain medications) and their implications for treatment and management.
- Support and Resources: Connecting individuals and families to mental health resources, support groups, and ongoing support.
Understanding the genetic component of psychiatric conditions can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions and take proactive steps in managing mental health. At MKGenetix, we are here to support you on this journey, offering expertise, compassion, and personalized care.
Warm regards,
Megan Trinkle-Knotts, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Founder, MKGenetix
References
- Craddock, N., O’Donovan, M. C., & Owen, M. J. (2005). The genetics of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: dissecting psychosis. Journal of Medical Genetics, 42(3), 193-204.
- Geschwind, D. H., & Flint, J. (2015). Genetics and genomics of psychiatric disease. Science, 349(6255), 1489-1494.
- Sullivan, P. F., Daly, M. J., & O’Donovan, M. (2012). Genetic architectures of psychiatric disorders: the emerging picture and its implications. Nature Reviews Genetics, 13(8), 537-551.
- Ripke, S., Neale, B. M., Corvin, A., Walters, J. T., Farh, K. H., Holmans, P. A., … & O’Donovan, M. C. (2014). Biological insights from 108 schizophrenia-associated genetic loci. Nature, 511(7510), 421-427.
- Kiser, D., Steemers, B., Branchi, I., & Homberg, J. R. (2012). The reciprocal interaction between serotonin and social behavior. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 36(2), 786-798.