1. Some Disorders Are Linked to Genes
Genes seem to influence mental disorders in three major ways. First, they may contribute to the cause of disease's such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia or autism. Second, they can be responsible for abnormalities that occur before or after birth. Third, they can contribute to a person's susceptibility to anxiety, depression, personality disorders and substance abuse.
2. Environment Also Plays a Role
Mental disorders almost always involve more than one gene. Mental disorders can be the result of different genes in different groups of people. Equally, genes associated with mental disorders in one particular culture or family may not have the same impact of having the disorder in another family or culture. Genetic factors in families interact with the family's cultural environment to produce or suppress having a mental disorder. For example, an individual whose family has a history of substance abuse may grow up not to use drugs at all if he has grown up in an environment which taught effective ways to handle stress and a responsible attitude towards drug use.
3. Schizophrenia: The Big Inheritance
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that includes emotional instability, detachment from reality and withdrawal into one's self. Relatives of a patient with schizophrenia have a 10% chance of developing the illness as compared to a 1% chance for the general population. If it is your identical twin who has schizophrenia your chance is as great as 40 to 50% of developing the disorder. Treatment for schizophrenia is with medication and interpersonal therapy. Nearly two-thirds of patients with schizophrenia recover or manage the disease effectively.
4. Alzheimer's: The Second Big Inheritance
Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that impairs memory, language and judgment. An individual may suffer from delusions and hallucinations. It is the most common form of dementia. Nearly 4.5 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from this disease. The onset of this disease is late mid-life with death following five to ten years later. Researchers have linked late onset Alzheimer's to a gene that contributes to the disease.
Although there currently is no cure for Alzheimer's, much can be done to preserve an individual's quality of life. Medication and therapies continue to be researched to help fight off the onset of Alzheimer's. Other methods of prevention include a proper diet, exercise, memory games that challenge the mind, socialization and support groups.
5. Other Mental Illness Linked to Genetics
Anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders and depression are other mental disorders which have genetic links. Although these disorders may exist in one's family it does not indicate an individual will inherit them, it means that individual has the likelihood or a susceptibility of having the disorder. Cultural, behavioral and overall lifestyle habits are factors to consider for mental disorders.
