Genetic Anxiety
Tph2, a gene coding for serotonin which is a hormone that helps to regulate our feeling of happiness and well-being, has been identified in mice by scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Monterotondo (Scotland on Sunday, May 15, 2005). A greater understanding of the genetic basis of serotonin could help us alter addictive pathways and alleviate many psychological diseases.
Even though the title of the article was sensationalistic, “Scientists reveal anxiety ‘all in genes‘,” it was one of the more balanced articles I’ve read in a while. Both the gene and its interaction with anxiety-producing environment, such as low levels of maternal care, were discussed along with possible interventions targeting those individuals carrying the gene.
Researcher Dr. Cornelius Gross said,
“Such research is important as the knowledge could allow susceptible individuals to be identified early and provided with appropriate interventions.
“By intervention I mean mostly psychological intervention aimed at reducing the impact of adverse life events. This could be something as simple as making people aware of the increased risk, but could also include family counselling.
“In addition, the identification of genes involved in these diseases could suggest novel targets for the development of pharmacological therapies.”
Timing genetic tests for mild psychologic disorders like anxiety will be tricky. If testing is conducted in childhood, it could either create a false sense of security or set-up a self-fulfilling prophecy. If testing is conducted after the first anxiety attack, then it seems to defeat the predictive purpose of a genetic test.
Meanwhile, Dr. Andrew McCulloch gives the following commonsense advice,
“Exercise triggers brain chemicals that improves mood and distracts people from their worries while eating healthily and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol will help lower anxiety levels.”
As always, the first steps towards a healthy, happy life is to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep.
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POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health
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