Are you predisposed to mental health issues? Is there a way to find out, and if so, would you want to know? Your mental illness risks might not be such a big mystery for much longer.
Scientists are getting closer to being able to identify markers for such things. But having a predisposition to something isn’t a diagnosis, and even if you have a disorder, treatment is available.
The Science of Mental Illness Risks
Mental illness risks aren’t an entirely new concept. Researchers have known for some time that some mental health conditions carry a genetic predisposition because the same mental health disorder often runs through a family. An example of this is the infamous Galvin family, where six of the 12 children were diagnosed with schizophrenia.
In particular, five major psychiatric disorders are known to have strong chances of genetic predisposition:
- Autism spectrum disorder. ASD usually presents itself from birth. Specific genes, including MECP2, SHANK1-3, CACN1E/B2, NRXN and SYNGAP1, have been implicated in this condition.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Previously, ADHD was considered a behavioral problem in children and adults. However, many studies have proven a strong genetic link for this condition. Heritability estimates for ADHD are between 60% and 90%.
- Bipolar disorder. It’s thought that 70%-90% of bipolar cases are attributed to the presence of a genetic factor, although environmental factors play a significant role in the development of bipolar disorder as well.
- Major depressive disorder. Scientists estimate that heritability for depression is between 40% and 50%, although severe depression may have higher inheritance rates.
- Schizophrenia. The genetic heritability of schizophrenia is estimated to be between 70% and 80%.
Of course, having a family member with one of these conditions doesn’t guarantee you’ll have it too. The prevalence of mental health conditions is impacted by several factors beyond genetics, including environmental factors, trauma and social influences.
Can Science Predict a Mental Illness?
While scientists have been identifying specific gene mutations that can increase a person’s risk of certain mental health conditions, no one can accurately determine your mental health odds of developing a specific disorder. As of 2024, even genetic testing can’t give you a precise answer.
A lot of research is still being done in this area. The hope is that you’ll be able to visit a genetic specialist and take a screening test that tells you, with high accuracy, what mental health disorder you may develop in your lifetime.
Benefits of Understanding Your Mental Health Odds
Benefits to knowing your mental health risks in advance include:
- Preparing beforehand. If you knew a specific mental health disorder might impact you soon, you could educate yourself about the condition beforehand. You could learn the signs so you’ll recognize what’s happening as soon as they present themselves. Additionally, you could learn about the condition and what to expect, making the transition much easier if the condition does develop.
- Getting treatment immediately. You could start therapy for the condition early so you’re equipped with coping mechanisms and in a stable place before the disorder appears.
- Getting answers. Mental health odds screening could provide you with the answers you’ve been looking for. Perhaps you’ve been struggling with your mental health for years but no one could diagnose you. This type of screening could provide much-needed answers.
- Telling others. You’d be able to prepare your loved ones as to what to expect if the mental health condition does arise.
- Joining support groups. If you’re scared about what’s potentially coming, you can join support groups to see how others with the condition are successfully managing their lives.
Potential Downsides of Knowing Your Risk Factors
Screening yourself for mental health disorders wouldn’t be an entirely beneficial process. Some very real disadvantages to consider include:
- Emotional impact: Hearing about your potential mental health diagnosis would likely cause you a lot of stress and anxiety. If the condition hasn’t presented itself yet, you’re left wondering every day when the symptoms will finally appear.
- Discrimination. If your information was ever provided to an employer or insurance provider, it could be used against you.
- Privacy issues. You’d have to be comfortable with a company having this very sensitive data about you, since companies commonly experience data breaches.
- Skewed results. If developed, this type of screening would likely come with some percentage of errors. Guaranteeing 100%-accurate results would be impossible. Receiving a false positive for a mental health condition that you’ll never develop could mean years of waiting and stressing for nothing.
- Family tension. Some family members who disagree with this testing may feel uncomfortable that you’ve gone this route.
Balancing Awareness With Practical Action
Ultimately, deciding to learn your mental health risks is a personal decision. Some would see it as a “knowledge is power” route and choose to find out. Others may feel they’d be happier to allow life to play out naturally instead.
There’s no correct answer, and this type of testing isn’t an option right now, so it’s also not a choice you have to make yet. But there’s something to be said for the power of being informed. Even if no magical test can tell you what disorder you’ll develop, being educated about mental health conditions is a good start. You’ll want to know the symptoms of some mental health disorders so you can recognize the warning signs if you — or someone you know — start to display them.
So, which mental health conditions should you focus on learning about? Talk to your close and extended family to understand what disorders others have. After all, these are the conditions you may be genetically predisposed to. Even if you don’t develop these conditions, learning about them helps you understand what your family members are going through, which benefits your relationship with them. You may not be able to get a map of your future mental health yet, but you can educate yourself about mental health and be prepared for what might come.
Restore Mental Health
If you’re concerned about your mental health, talking to a professional is the most helpful step you can take. At Restore, our friendly staff has years of experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Let us help you find the answers you’ve been looking for. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment with a qualified counselor.
