A genetic line between depression and happiness from studies conducted by researchers show that the very same genes responsible for depression can likely be the same ones that make you feel happy.
A thin genetic line between depression and happiness
In a recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, researchers found a link that differentiates the effects of happiness and depression, which may change the way science would come up with personalized therapies that would take into account genetic and cognitive factors.
The study suggests that there is a need to combine research on cognitive biases and mental health genetics.
“Cognitive biases are when people consistently interpret situations through particular mental ‘filters’ – when people have a cognitive bias that emphasizes negative aspects or thoughts, they are more at risk of mental health disorders,” explains Prof. Chris Beevers, study co-author from the University of Texas, Austin.
Health is more than simply the lack of disease
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines health as “a resource that allows people to realize their aspirations, satisfy their needs and to cope with the environment in order to live a long, productive, and fruitful life.”
“When you take a gene that is linked to mental illness, and compare people who have the same genetic variant, it becomes clear that what happens to their mental health is based on their environment,” says Prof. Elaine Fox, study co-author from the Oxford University, United Kingdom.
Together with Dr. Beevers, Dr. Fox suggests that genetic variation and negative cognitive biases can be linked with the risk or psychopathology combined to come up with related findings.
“We propose that gene by environment (G x E) interactions may be mediated by selective cognitive biases and that certain forms of genetic ‘reactivity’ or ‘sensitivity’ may represent heightened sensitivity to the learning environment in a ‘for better’ and ‘for worse’ manner,” the two professors said.
According to Professor Fox, some genes can cause people to become more sensitive to effects as a result of their environment. While customized interventions help those who are genetically sensitive to an environment can develop a flexible pattern of positivity, rather than the opposite.
Although the results are still highly speculative they believe this approach has the potential to lead to real breakthroughs in the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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