The Genetic Landscape

Welcome to this video on the Genetic Landscape of Mental Health and Neurodiversity.

Mental health conditions and neurodiversity are complex traits influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. While the exact genetic underpinnings are still being unraveled, research has shed light on some key aspects:

Mental Health ConditionsMost mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, are thought to be influenced by multiple genes, each with a small effect. This is known as polygenic inheritance.Genes can increase susceptibility to mental health conditions, but environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, or adverse experiences, often play a crucial role in triggering their onset.Environmental factors can also alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. This is epigenetics. These epigenetic changes can be passed down through generations, potentially influencing mental health

NeurodiversityNeurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and ADHD have a stronger genetic component compared to many mental health conditions.In some cases, rare genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities can contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions.There is increasing evidence of genetic overlap between different neurodevelopmental conditions and even between neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.