Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny: How We Overcome Genetic Predisposition
When it comes to mental illness, we used to think our genes were everything. It's true that conditions like schizophrenia, autism, and OCD are highly heritable—meaning they often run in families. For example, studies show that genetics may account for up to 81% of the risk for schizophrenia.
But here's the crucial part: heritability is not destiny.
Your genes provide a blueprint or a predisposition for certain conditions, but they don't guarantee you'll get them. Think of it like this: your genes might load the gun, but environmental factors pull the trigger. There's no single "schizophrenia gene" or "OCD gene." Instead, these conditions are influenced by a complex mix of many genes, each having a small effect.
At TNC, we believe understanding your genetic blueprint is the first step toward a more resilient life. We help you use this knowledge to create a proactive, personalized care plan. Our goal is to create a supportive environment and teach you coping mechanisms that help you navigate your genetic risks, preventing them from becoming active conditions.
A great example is mold toxicity. Some people have specific genes, like the HLA-DR or HLA-DQ gene variants, that make it harder for their bodies to clear toxins produced by mold. For these individuals, mold exposure can trigger a severe inflammatory response, leading to a condition called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
At TNC, we can help by:
Modulating Inflammation: We work to calm your body’s inflammatory and autoimmune responses.
Supporting Detoxification: We support your body’s natural ability to clear toxins through things like nature-based care and therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and dry heat (which promotes sweating).
Using Brain Stimulation: We use therapies to support healthy brain function and address any secondary issues that arise.
By combining an understanding of your genetic risks with a proactive approach to your environment and health, we empower you to take control of your well-being.
Let us help!
see also Dr. Best’s related article in Psychiatric Times