The human brain and genetics are very complicated, and scientists are still deciphering how they work. We know that mental illness can have a hereditary component, but what that means for people with a family history of mental illness is not always clear. At Palms Behavioral Health in Harlingen, Texas, we treat mental health disorders and we try to help our patients and their families have a better understanding of how genetics impact mental health.
Mental Illnesses with Genetic Components
Scientists do know that certain mental health disorders can be passed through families, meaning that a person with a biological parent, sibling, or other close relative with a certain mental illness, is more likely to experience that disorder too. So far, the mental illnesses that have been confirmed to have genetic components include:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
What That Means For You
It is important to understand that just because a mental illness can be passed on through genetics, does not mean that it will be. Your parent can have a mental illness and not pass it on to you and you can have a mental illness and not pass it on to your children. There is just a higher risk in these cases.
Additionally, not having a close family member with a mental illness does not guarantee that a person will not develop a certain disorder. Many factors that contribute to mental health disorders, such as:
- Trauma such as neglect, abuse, witnessing violence, sudden death of a loved one, or living with a parent who is addicted to alcohol or drugs
- Stress such as losing a job, ending a relationship, changing schools or jobs, or societal or cultural pressures
- Substance use
- Medical conditions and infections
- Brain injuries
- Socioeconomic conditions such as poverty, debt, poor living conditions, or a lack of education
Some of these environmental factors can be avoided or managed, to reduce their impact on a person’s mental health, so these are also not guaranteed to lead to a mental illness.
The Importance of Knowing Family History
Genetics are not the only thing that decides if a person develops a mental illness but knowing your birth family’s medical and mental health history and sharing this with your doctors can make it easier and faster for you to receive an accurate diagnosis and helpful treatment. In addition, knowing your family history can help you to make more informed decisions about the choices you make for yourself. For example, marijuana use is known to trigger psychosis in people with a family history of schizophrenia. Knowing your risk may influence your decisions about using or not using cannabis.
How to Obtain Your Family Mental Health History
If you aren’t sure what diagnoses people in your biological family have received, the first step is to talk to your relatives. The information that will be most relevant to your own health will be from your “first-degree” relatives, which are your parents, siblings, and children. It can be helpful to know information about “second-degree” relatives, such as half-siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, but this is generally less beneficial to assessing your own risk.
Documenting What You Discover and Sharing What You Learn
You can just write down what you find in a notebook or word processing file, but these options are easily lost and not especially collaborative. There are also free online programs that you can use to record your family’s medical and mental health history. One such program is offered by the Surgeon General. It is called “My Family Health Portrait” and it allows you to share information with family members and healthcare providers. You can also add new information as your family grows or you learn of additional diagnoses.
Your primary care doctor can be a resource and partner in your journey to discover your personal mental health and your family’s medical and mental health history. If you have concerns about your mental health, either due to family history or symptoms you are experiencing, one way to get support is to speak to your medical provider, who can offer screenings for some mental illnesses, information, and referrals to mental health professionals. Before discussing your concerns about mental health with your medical doctor, think about the conversation you wish to have:
- Prepare a list of questions and concerns you have
- Bring an up-to-date list of medications you are taking
- Have your family medical and mental health history with you
- Bring a support person, if having one would make it easier for you to communicate with your doctor
- Be open and honest with your healthcare provider. They are best able to help you if they have complete and accurate information.
At Palms Behavioral Health, we offer psychiatric services for people who are struggling with their mental health. We know that people with mental illnesses can and do recover and we are here to offer help and hope.
