Genetic studies in psychiatry
Genetic studies can be a complementary diagnostic tool, especially in difficult cases or when there is a family history of mental illness.
How can we help you?
Non-obligation guidance
What is it?
It is the analysis of an individual's DNA to identify genetic variants that may be related to an increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder.
What is the cause?
Psychiatric illnesses are complex and multifactorial, with an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Genetic studies seek to identify genetic variants that may increase susceptibility to a disorder, but they are not the only cause.
What is the incidence?
The incidence of psychiatric illness varies according to the disorder. For example, schizophrenia has an incidence of about 1%, while depression affects about 15% of the population at some point in their lives.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder is based on the patient’s clinical assessment, including personal and family history, symptoms and physical examination. Genetic studies can be a complementary diagnostic tool, especially in difficult cases or when there is a family history of mental illness.
How this study helps the medical specialist?
Genetic studies can help the medical specialist:
- Improve diagnosis: by identifying genetic variants associated with a disorder, a diagnosis can be more accurately confirmed or ruled out.
- Prognosis: genetic information can help predict the likelihood of an individual developing a disorder or the severity of symptoms.
- Treatment selection: some genetic studies can help determine which drug treatment is most likely to be effective for an individual patient.
- Prevention: in some cases, genetic information can be used to identify people at high risk of developing a disorder and take the necessary steps to prevent it.
In which cases is it indicated?
Genetic studies in psychiatry are indicated in the following cases:
- Suspicion of a genetic disorder: if a patient shows symptoms suggesting a genetically based disorder.
- Family history of mental illness: if a patient has relatives with a psychiatric disorder, especially if the disorder is severe or of early onset.
- Lack of response to treatment: if a patient has not responded to standard treatments for a psychiatric disorder.
- Family planning: if a person with a family history of mental illness is considering having children.
Author: Jose A. Ortiz