In a manuscript
published
in the
American Journal of Psychiatry
In the publication titled “Psychiatric Genetics in Clinical Practice: Essential Knowledge for Mental Health Professionals,” the writers offer revised recommendations on the crucial information mental health practitioners should have regarding recent developments in genetics and how these genetic insights can enhance clinical psychiatric practices.
The main points underscore the significance of grasping the genetic structure of mental health conditions, the possible uses of genetic details for evaluating risks, diagnosing issues, choosing treatments, and educating patients, along with addressing the moral and societal implications tied to utilizing genetic information.
The document was created by the International Society for Psychiatric Genetics Education Committee, which deemed the subject matter a key area of focus.
Aaron D. Besterman, MD, a clinical investigator at Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine and lead author of the study, stated: ‘The intricate relationship between genetic factors and environmental influences is a key topic in modern psychiatric genetics, with significant consequences for our understanding and management of mental health disorders.’
By embracing a comprehensive approach that takes into account all aspects of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental well-being, we can progress towards a tailored and efficient healthcare system. Besterman leads the Society’s Education Committee and holds professorships at the University of California San Diego.
The document points out that the area of psychiatric genetics has experienced significant changes recently, fueled by swift developments in genomic technology and extensive global cooperative research initiatives. This makes it essential for mental health practitioners to remain updated on new discoveries and their practical applications via continuous learning, teamwork with genetic experts, and robust communication methods.
This document offers a comprehensive look at various critical aspects within psychiatric genetics, enhanced with concise case examples essential for mental health professionals. These topics encompass the inheritance patterns of genetic conditions, the impact of both frequent and uncommon genetic alterations, the influence of environmental factors on genes, changes in gene activity due to epigenetic mechanisms, how medications interact genetically, guidance on genetic counseling, as well as considerations about ethics and societal implications.
The writers point out that being able to understand and convey genetic risks, grasping the interaction between genetic and environmental elements, taking genetic aspects into account when choosing medications, and addressing the ethical issues surrounding psychiatric genetics are now integral parts of a mental health professional’s evolving responsibilities.
Furthermore, the document emphasizes, it is crucial to recognize that psychiatric disorders are intricate and multi-determined conditions that cannot be simplified into basic genetic factors alone.
Genetic information alone is only part of the equation,” stated Besterman. “By focusing on the intricate interplay among genetics, social dynamics, psychology, and neurological aspects, along with how symptoms might react differently to varied therapies, we can challenge the belief in ‘genes being fate’.
More information:
Aaron D. Besterman et al., Essential Knowledge for Mental Health Professionals: Psychiatric Genetics in Clinical Practice,
American Journal of Psychiatry
(2025).
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20240295
Furnished by the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine
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