Genetics and Health

Genetics Interview #6: Dr. Deborah Serani of Psychological Perspectives

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on July 6th, 2006

The Genetics and Health interviews are going along splendidly. I’m so grateful to all the wonderful people who’ve participated so far. Today, I have a person no less awesome than the ones before, Dr. Deborah Serani of Psychological Perspectives.

Dr. Serani and I have been friends for a while now starting way back when I first featured her here. Deb’s sense of purpose, kindheartedness, intelligence, and analytical abilities make her a psychologist par excellence plus a popular blogger to boot.

1. You’re a Ph.D. trained psychologist, how did genetics figure into your education?

My family was very science-based given that my dad was a Chiropractor. There were always journals on anatomy, physiology, neurology and kinesthetics in the house. Though I did not do well in science classes per se, I was always drawn to the subject as a young student. As a psychology major in college, I found a lot of psychology traits and symptoms had a strong genetic links. When I could, I took more science based courses. And in graduate school, I enjoyed neuropsychology and physiological psychology very much. These courses helped me understand the organic, biological and chemical aspects of functioning, illnesses and disorders. After graduate school, I found myself reading whatever I could about genetics. Some 20 years later, I still get excited when genetic research has something to say about mental health. I strongly believe that if science can help explain psychological disorders, the stigma of mental illness can be debunked. I even use such genetic-psychology opportunities when I do media work, hoping to bring new discoveries to the reading or television viewing audience.

2. In your clinical psychology practice, do you have patients who ask about genetics? What kind of information do they typically want to know?

I have many patients who ask talk genetics. Typically, they will say that their symptoms resemble “a cousin”, “an uncle”, their “mother”. This is the most exciting opportunity to highlight genetics and psychological symptoms for me, and I hope, for the patient. To know that there are hereditary aspects can ease the tension a patient has about a particular disorder. Understanding genetics can help free the “what did I do wrong” syndrome that takes hold of them. It is also quite important for me to know the medical and familial background of a patient when they consult with me. Much of the information obtained helps me to rule out if the presenting issues have an organic base, are situational or a combination of both. I often refer patients to read up on genetics, and I have been known to include a recent news item in sessions when I feel it is appropriate knowledge to share.

3. When you hear of new genes being discovered for various mental illnesses, what’s the first thought that crosses your mind?

“Totally awesome”, is the first thing I say to myself. Then I have to read more about the discovery. I am like a kid in a candy story when genetic discoveries help to explain psychological disorders. Even when genetic discoveries are reported about non-psychological issues, I am clicking away on the internet to read about those findings.

4. Is there any particular mental health issue that you think deserves more attention, especially when it comes to the genetics aspect?

I think the field of genetics is doing an amazing job with many psychological and mental health issues. I would hope that genetic research could help more serious disorders, like dementia, autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (just to name a few), so that more efficient treatments can be created.

5. How do you think genetic info could and should be put to use?

I always write and talk about genetics in my work, so I put genetic information to use alot in my professional life. Whether I am treating a patient, writing an academic article or blogging, I try to instill the important link genetics has with psychology and mental health. I would like to see more professionals incorporating genetic research. Many of my physician friends, and mental health colleagues know little about genetic discoveries. That surprises and disappoints me. I would like also to see more media outlets, like television, magazines and newspapers and newscasts to highlight genetics, making the science more attainable and understandable to the lay person. Knowledge is power, after all.

If I ever need a psychologist, I’d want one just like Deb Serani!

Share This

Related Stories

Mental Health and Blog of the Week: Dr. Deborah Serani
Grand Rounds 3(5) at Health Care Law Blog
SERT Gene and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
My Interview at The Antidote
My Interview at HealthCareVox

POSTED IN: Genetics Interviews