Depression, anxiety and other disorders may have the same genetic cause, study finds
Amen agreed that “association is not causation” and that “we’re not yet at the point where doctors can prescribe based solely on genetic profiles.”
“Just because a gene is linked to a disorder doesn’t mean it causes it — or that changing it changes the outcome,” he said. “The environment still matters. Genetics load the gun, but stress, trauma, diet, infections, toxins and head injuries pull the trigger.”
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The brain expert also emphasized the importance of pairing genetic screening with brain imaging.
“If we get this right — and combine genetic research with brain imaging, digital phenotyping and clinical neuroscience — the entire landscape of mental health care will change,” he predicted. “We’ll no longer be diagnosing based on symptoms alone. We’ll be diagnosing based on objective, biological data.”
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/depression-anxiety-other-disorders-may-have-same-genetic-cause-study-finds