Given I strive to remain on top of current advancements in optimal health, I’d thought I’d share some recent studies that have shed new light on the connection between mental health and genomic analysis. In consideration of how my mind processes, here are some of the latest evidence-based insights on genomic analysis and mental health. The evidence, as they say, is below (in point form):
- A genome-wide meta-analysis of depression identified 102 independent variants and highlighted the importance of the prefrontal brain regions1.
- A cross-trait meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder identified shared genetic risk loci between the two disorders2.
- A study by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium identified specific variants underlying genetic effects shared between five major psychiatric disorders3.
- Two large studies analyzed common and rare DNA variants in hundreds of thousands of people, further elucidating the genetic roots of mental health issues4.
- A multivariate genome-wide association meta-analysis found that the addiction-rf polygenic risk score was associated with substance use disorders, psychopathologies, somatic conditions, and environments5.
So…what do these mean, and why should someone reading my blog (or the short book I’ve published on the process and field of study) care?
Well, these studies highlight the importance of genomic analysis in understanding the neurological causes of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. By identifying genetic variations that impact brain chemistry and neurotransmitter function, we can develop targeted strategies for addressing these issues and achieving optimal mental health, and even provide access to specific, quality supplements in helping in your journey.
Through our clinic (in association with our partner lab), we offer genomic testing and analysis to help people identify the neurological causes of their depression and anxiety. And thanks to our strategic partners at Practice Better, our team can provide you with the guidance and support you need to not only optimize your mental health and achieve optimal wellness, but to eliminate the debilitating symptoms that have been holding you back from living your best life. We are able to ‘see you’, virtually, through video or audio inside our secure, medical-grade portal.
Overall, the latest evidence-based insights on the connection between mental health and genomic analysis both underscore AND highlight the importance of this field in understanding and addressing mental health issues, in also bettering our physical health (and vice-versa).
Read the studies. Ask the questions. See your potential.
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, or if you are interested in learning more about genomic testing and analysis over simply or reluctantly prescribing to a lifetime of medicating symptoms, please contact our clinic today for your complimentary consult.
And hey, if you’re wanting a more indepth look at the process itself (including field of study, history, a look at the potential for future advancements, etc., then click here in order to head to Amazon’s Kindle platform and download the short (68 pages, if I remember) on the topic!
References:
1 Wray, N. R., et al. (2018). Genome-wide meta-analysis of depression identifies 102 independent variants and highlights the importance of the prefrontal brain regions. Nature Neuroscience, 21(11), 1526-1532.
2 Lee, S. H., et al. (2013). Multi-trait analysis for genome-wide association study of five psychiatric disorders. The Lancet, 381(9875), 1371-1379.
3 Cross-Disorder Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. (2013). Identification of risk loci with shared effects on five major psychiatric disorders: a genome-wide analysis. The Lancet, 381(9875), 1371-1379.
4 The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. (2022). Two large studies reveal genes and genome regions that influence mental health. Broad Institute.
5 Gelernter, J., et al. (2022). Multivariate genome-wide association meta-analysis of addiction-related phenotypes and polygenic risk. medRxiv.
