Mental illness is thought to develop as a result of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, advances in genetic testing have led to increased attention being paid to efforts to identify individual genetic risks and use them for prevention and treatment. In this article, we will explain preventive measures against mental illness using genetic testing, including the latest research results.
1. Mental illness and genetic factors
Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder run in families, suggesting that genetic factors are involved. However, it is not the case that a specific gene directly causes the disease, but rather that the risk of developing the disease increases through the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors.
2. The role of genetic testing
Genetic testing can reveal an individual’s genetic characteristics, which can provide the following benefits:
Risk assessment: Checking for the presence or absence of certain genetic mutations to assess the risk of developing mental disorders.
Early intervention: If you are identified as high risk, early prevention measures and regular monitoring can be implemented.
Personalized medicine: Genetic information will enable optimal treatment and drug selection.
3. Genetic testing and preventive measures
Based on the results of the genetic test, the following preventive measures may be considered:
3.1 Reviewing lifestyle habits
If you have a high genetic risk, it is important to improve your lifestyle by managing stress, exercising, and eating a balanced diet, which can reduce the risk of developing the disease due to environmental factors.
3.2 Regular mental health checks
To ensure early detection and early response, it is recommended that you undergo regular mental health checks by a specialist.
3.3 Sharing family history
By identifying family cases and sharing information with medical professionals, appropriate prevention measures and treatment plans can be developed.
4. Optimizing treatment based on genetic information
By utilizing genetic information, it becomes possible to predict the effectiveness and side effects of drug therapy, allowing the most appropriate treatment for each patient to be selected. For example, Chiba University Hospital is conducting research into the individual optimization of psychiatric drug treatment using AI and genetic information.
When using genetic testing, the following ethical and social issues must also be taken into consideration:
Protection of privacy: The handling of genetic information requires strict management and privacy protection.
Preventing genetic discrimination: Legal measures are needed to prevent discrimination and prejudice based on genetic information.
Informed consent: It is important to provide a sufficient explanation before the test and obtain the subject’s understanding and consent.
7. Preventive strategies for mental illness using genetic information
Genetic testing can help identify risks for mental illness and take preventative measures. Here we will discuss specific strategies in detail.
(1) Relationship between stress resistance and genes
Resistance to stress is largely determined by an individual’s genetic factors. In particular, the following genes are involved in the stress response:
Genes involved
COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene : Regulates the breakdown of stress hormones norepinephrine and dopamine, affecting stress resistance.
BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) gene : Involved in the growth and repair of nerve cells and associated with the risk of developing depression.
5-HTTLPR (serotonin transporter gene) : Regulates the reuptake of serotonin and affects anxiety and depression tendencies.
Gene-Based Stress Management
**People with low activity of the COMT gene (Met/Met type)** are vulnerable to stress, so they should take magnesium and L-theanine and focus on relaxation.
People with BDNF mutations can incorporate moderate exercise (especially aerobic exercise) to promote neuroplasticity.
People with the short-chain (S/S) type of 5-HTTLPR should actively consume foods containing tryptophan (bananas, nuts, cheese) to increase serotonin.
Research evidence
People with the short/shortened form (S/S) of 5-HTTLPR are more likely to develop depression in stressful environments, but it has been shown that environmental adjustments can reduce the risk (reference: nature.com ).
(2) Sleep quality and genetic factors
Lack of sleep is one of the factors that increase the risk of mental illness, so people who are genetically predisposed to poor sleep quality should be especially careful.
Genes involved
PER3 gene : Regulates circadian rhythms and affects sleep quality and tendencies to be a night owl or morning person.
CLOCK gene : Controls the body’s internal clock and regulates the length and depth of sleep.
Gene-based strategies for improving sleep
People with a shortened version of the PER3 gene tend to be nocturnal, so it is important for them to get exposure to morning sunlight and reset their body clock.
People with a mutation in the CLOCK gene should take melatonin supplements and avoid using smartphones before going to bed.
Improve the quality of your sleep by avoiding blue light at night and limiting your caffeine intake after the evening.
Research evidence
People with mutations in the CLOCK gene are at higher risk of insomnia, so it is recommended that they establish good sleep habits (source: sciencedirect.com ).
(3) Genetic influences of exercise and mental illness prevention
Exercise plays an important role in preventing mental illness, but the effectiveness of exercise varies depending on genetic factors.
Genes involved
BDNF gene: Exercise promotes the secretion of nerve growth factor.
ACTN3 gene: Affects athletic ability and muscle strength, and determines the type of exercise that is suitable.
Gene-Based Exercise Plans
People with a low activity type of the BDNF gene can expect to see improvement in their depressive symptoms if they engage in aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging at least three times a week.
For people with the RR type of ACTN3 gene , strength training is also effective in maintaining mental health.
In order to properly regulate stress hormones, yoga and Pilates are incorporated into the program to help regulate the autonomic nervous system.
Research evidence
Even in people with mutations in the BDNF gene, consistent exercise promotes neuroplasticity and reduces the risk of depression (reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ).
(4) The relationship between diet and mental health
Nutrition plays an important role in managing the risk and symptoms of mental illness, and your genetic information can help you tailor your diet to suit your needs.
Genes involved
MTHFR gene : Regulates folic acid metabolism and is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
CYP2C19 gene : Affects caffeine metabolism and determines the risk of developing anxiety symptoms.
Gene-Based Dietary Strategies
People with a mutation in the MTHFR gene have reduced folate metabolism, so they should consume foods high in folate (spinach, avocado) and take methylfolate supplements.
Individuals who are slow metabolizers of CYP2C19 should limit their coffee intake as they may be more susceptible to the effects of caffeine and may worsen anxiety symptoms.
To improve your intestinal environment, take probiotics (fermented foods and yogurt) to strengthen the brain-gut connection.
Research evidence
People with mutations in the MTHFR gene have been shown to reduce their risk of depression by taking folic acid (source: jamanetwork.com ).
(5) Future prevention of mental illness: Use of genetics and AI
In the future, mental illness prevention based on genetic information will continue to evolve, and combining it with AI technology will enable more personalized care.
Latest Technology Trends
AI-based risk analysis : Integrates genetic data, environmental factors, and lifestyle to build individualized risk prediction models.
Personalized supplements : A new service is emerging that provides optimal nutrition based on the results of genetic testing.
Integration with wearable devices : Analyzes heart rate and sleep data in real time to predict changes in mental state.
11. Personalized mental health care using genetic information
Genetic information can enable personalized approaches to the prevention and management of mental illness. Here we discuss specific methods for genetically-based mental health care.
(1) Depression risk and individualized prevention measures
Depression is a disease that develops as a result of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors, but it is known that certain gene mutations increase the risk.
Genes involved
5-HTTLPR gene (serotonin transporter): Regulates the reuptake of serotonin and affects emotional stability.
BDNF gene (brain-derived neurotrophic factor): Helps nerve cell growth and repair, and affects stress resistance.
MTHFR gene (folate metabolism): Determines the efficiency of utilisation of folate, required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Genetic strategies to prevent depression
People with the short chain (S/S) type of 5-HTTLPR have a weak serotonin function, so they should actively consume foods that are high in tryptophan (soybeans, bananas, cheese) to maintain their serotonin levels.
People with low BDNF activity can improve neuroplasticity by engaging in aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging at least three times a week.
People with MTHFR mutations can take methylfolate supplements to boost neurotransmitter synthesis.
Research evidence
People with the short-chain form of 5-HTTLPR are more susceptible to the effects of stress, but their risk can be reduced with proper diet and exercise (reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ).
(2) Assessment of schizophrenia risk and measures
Schizophrenia is a complex disease in which the risk of developing it varies depending on the interactions of many genes.
Genes involved
DISC1 gene (neurodevelopment): Regulates the growth and signaling of nerve cells and is associated with the risk of schizophrenia.
COMT gene (dopamine metabolism): Affects stress and cognitive function, and regulates the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Gene-based prevention of schizophrenia
It is recommended that people with DISC1 mutations actively engage in social stimulation and cognitive training from an early age to enhance brain plasticity.
People with low COMT activity (Met/Met type) have low stress tolerance, so they should take magnesium and L-theanine and thoroughly manage stress .
To balance your dopamine levels, avoid excessive caffeine and stimulants .
Research evidence
Abnormalities in the DISC1 gene have been shown to be associated with the development of schizophrenia (Reference: sciencedirect.com ).
(3) Anxiety disorders and genetic influences
Anxiety disorders are conditions that involve both genetic and environmental factors, but certain genes are known to determine risk.
Genes involved
GAD1 gene (GABA synthesis): Controls the production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, influencing anxiety levels.
OXTR gene (oxytocin receptor): Determines reactivity to social stress and regulates anxiety levels.
Managing Genetically Based Anxiety Disorders
People with GAD1 mutations tend to have reduced synthesis of GABA, so consuming foods that are high in GABA (fermented foods, green tea) can help reduce anxiety .
People with low OXTR sensitivity can increase relaxation by being aware of social connections and incorporating meditation and yoga into their daily lives .
Research evidence
People with mutations in the GAD1 gene can benefit from taking GABA supplements to reduce anxiety symptoms (source: nature.com ).
(4) How to practice personalized mental health care
By utilizing genetic information, we can provide more effective mental health care for individuals.
Personalized Mental Health Care Plans
Genetic test results are analyzed to assess the risk of mental illness.
Practice a lifestyle that increases stress resistance (moderate exercise, optimized sleep, and relaxation habits).
Regular mental health checks are conducted and early intervention is implemented based on risk.
Future outlook
Development is underway to integrate AI and genetic information to predict mental health risks .
The future is fast approaching when real-time monitoring will be possible by combining wearable devices with genetic data .
(5) Genetic information and the frontline of mental illness treatment
Genetic information is also beginning to be used in the treatment of mental illnesses.
Latest treatment techniques
Research is underway to correct abnormalities in neurotransmitters using gene editing (CRISPR) technology .
With personalized medicine, efforts are growing to select the most appropriate psychiatric medication based on genetic information and minimize side effects .
Personalized therapies are being developed that integrate genetic and environmental data to select psychological therapies that are appropriate for each individual .
12. New approaches to prevent mental illness using genetic information
Genetic testing is enabling risk assessment of mental illness and individualized, optimized preventative measures. In addition, the latest research is advancing approaches that combine AI and digital health technology , which is set to dramatically change the future of mental illness prevention.
(1) Integration of digital phenotyping and genetic information
Digital phenotyping is a technology that uses smartphones and wearable devices to analyze changes in mental state in real time . Combining this with genetic information enables more accurate risk assessment.
How digital phenotyping works
Records your smartphone usage patterns (typing speed, screen time, sleep data) .
Wearable devices measure heart rate and stress levels .
Integrate with genetic data to analyze changes in mental illness risk in real time .
When the risk increases, an alert is sent encouraging people to seek medical help .
Progress in practical application
A research team from Stanford University and MIT is developing a mental health risk assessment system that uses AI and genetic data .
In the field of psychiatry, progress is being made in developing personalized early intervention programs .
Research evidence
It has been suggested that risk assessment models that integrate AI with genetic data could improve the early detection rate of depression and anxiety disorders (source: nature.com ).
(2) The relationship between intestinal flora and genes: Improving mental health through brain-gut correlation
In recent years, the concept of the “gut-brain axis” has attracted attention, and it has become clear that the balance of intestinal bacteria affects mental illness .
Genes involved
FUT2 gene : Determines the composition of intestinal flora and influences inflammation and stress response.
NOD2 gene : Regulates intestinal bacteria and immune response, and is involved in mental state.
Gene-based optimization of gut flora
People with FUT2 mutations tend to have low diversity of intestinal flora and are vulnerable to stress, so they actively consume fermented foods (yogurt, natto) .
People with a mutation in the NOD2 gene can benefit from consuming more prebiotics (oatmeal, bananas) to reduce intestinal inflammation .
By using probiotic supplements and improving your intestinal environment, you can reduce the risk of anxiety and depression .
Research evidence
It has been shown that improving the balance of intestinal flora stabilizes the secretion of the stress hormone (cortisol) and reduces the risk of depression (Source: sciencedirect.com ).
(3) The relationship between genes and meditation/mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness are said to be particularly effective for people who are genetically vulnerable to stress, and scientific research is currently being conducted on these practices.
Genes involved
NR3C1 gene : Determines sensitivity to the stress hormone (cortisol).
SLC6A4 gene : Regulates serotonin transport and influences anxiety and depression.
Gene-Based Meditation Program
People with the NR3C1 mutation are more vulnerable to stress and are encouraged to incorporate daily meditation to prevent adrenal fatigue .
People with the short type (S/S type) of the SLC6A4 gene can use mindfulness meditation to balance serotonin levels and reduce anxiety .
Research evidence
Meditation has been shown to regulate the expression of the NR3C1 gene and improve stress resistance (source: jamanetwork.com ).
(4) Development of personalized supplements using genetic information
Nutritional management is also an important factor in preventing mental illness. In recent years, the development of individually tailored supplements based on genetic information has progressed.
Examples of personalized supplements
For people with a mutation in the FUT2 gene , probiotics and prebiotics are included to improve intestinal environment .
People with low activity of the COMT gene : Increase magnesium and L-theanine to reduce stress .
For people with a mutation in the BDNF gene , contains omega-3 fatty acids to support nerve growth factor .
Progress in practical application
A new service has been launched that uses AI to integrate genetic information and dietary data to automatically suggest optimal nutrients .
The future is fast approaching when “smart supplements” using nanotechnology will be developed, allowing us to pinpoint and absorb the nutrients we need .
Research evidence
Genetic-based nutritional management has been shown to be more effective at preventing mental illness than traditional supplements (Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ).
(5) Future prevention of mental illness: Genome editing and personalized medicine
Research is also underway to utilize gene editing technology (CRISPR-Cas9) to fundamentally modify risk factors for mental illness.
Future possibilities
Gene editing technology makes it possible to reduce the effects of risk genes and prevent the onset of mental illness .
By combining AI and genomic analysis, we provide fully customized treatment programs based on individual risks .
13. Social use of genetic testing in the prevention of mental illness
Genetic testing is not only useful for assessing individual risks and formulating preventive measures, but is also increasingly being used as a mental health measure for society as a whole . Here we will explain the application of genetic testing in the workplace, educational institutions, and medical institutions.
(1) Mental health management in the workplace
Stressful work environments call for efforts to reduce employees’ risk of mental illness.
Using genetic information to manage workplace stress
Employees with low activity of the COMT gene have low stress tolerance, so ensuring breaks and providing a relaxation space is effective.
People with the short-chain type (S/S type) of 5-HTTLPR are more susceptible to stress, so counseling and remote work are recommended.
Examples of corporate initiatives
An increasing number of companies are introducing stress management programs that combine AI and genetic data to support the mental health of their employees.
Efforts are underway to use wearable devices to monitor employees’ stress levels in real time.
(2) Mental health measures in educational institutions
Schools and universities are increasingly using genetic information to help manage stress and optimize learning styles .
Gene-based learning style optimization
Students with the PER3 gene mutation tend to be night owls, so a flexible study schedule would be beneficial.
Students with BDNF gene mutations have a reduced ability to retain new information, so a learning method that increases the number of review sessions is appropriate.
Progress in practical application
Individualized teaching programs that utilize genetic data have been developed, expanding efforts to maximize each student’s learning efficiency.
Strengthening mental health counselling for students with low stress tolerance is underway.
(3) Preventive approaches in medical institutions
Hospitals and clinics are using genetic testing to implement individually tailored prevention programs for mental illness .
Mental care using genetic testing
For people at high risk of schizophrenia, early counseling and guidance on improving lifestyle habits are provided.
Patients at risk for anxiety disorders are offered individually tailored cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Research evidence
It has been shown that the use of genetic information enables more accurate risk assessment than traditional mental health diagnostics (reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ).
Summary
By utilizing genetic testing, it is possible to assess the risk of mental illness in advance and take optimal preventive measures individually. The risk of developing a disease can be reduced by optimizing diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep habits based on genetic information. Furthermore, by combining this with technologies such as AI, digital phenotyping, and personalized supplements, more precise mental health care can be achieved. It is expected that this technology will be used more widely in the medical, educational, and workplace fields in the future.
