The New Science of Mental Illness: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture
progression of brain healing
For decades, we’ve tried to understand severe mental illness through a simple lens: is it a product of our genes (nature) or our upbringing (nurture)? The latest research, however, reveals a far more intricate and dynamic reality. Severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI)—including conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—are not caused by a single factor. Instead, they are considered complex traits that emerge from a constant and intricate interplay between an individual’s genetic vulnerabilities and a wide range of environmental factors.
This holistic perspective points to a multi-faceted causation model, encompassing several key areas of influence:
Genetic Predisposition: Our DNA sets a foundational level of risk, which can be amplified or mitigated by our life experiences. For instance, the heritability of schizophrenia is estimated to be as high as 81%.
Early Life Adversity: Traumatic experiences in childhood, from maltreatment to complex communication patterns, can directly alter brain development and increase vulnerability.
Physical and Immunological Stressors: The brain can also be impacted by physical factors like head injuries and toxins. Even more surprisingly, a severe infection or inflammatory response can trigger long-term mental health issues by directly affecting brain circuits.
At The Neuroscience Center we welcome this challenge!
Please consider our multi-specialty approach to stubborn psychiatric suffering. Our approach is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. We use an integrated framework that acknowledges each person's unique combination of genetically-driven, acquired, and even more purely environmental factors. By addressing the root causes and their complex interactions, we are able to provide truly personalized and effective care. The first step is a case review that informs next-step decisions such as diagnostic testing that can clarify the various influences in case of stubborn (resistant to treatment) psychiatric suffering.
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see also Dr. Best’s related article in Psychiatric Times