The Role of Genetics in Psychiatry

This is one of the most common questions we get asked at Bilancia. And the answer is… yes. But also, not always in the way people think.

First, the facts:
Mental health conditions are not caused by a single gene. Instead, they’re influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Having a family member with a mental illness (like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or OCD) can increase your risk—but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll experience it.
Conversely, not having a family history doesn’t mean you’re immune.
It’s not just nature. It’s nature + nurture.

What does that mean?
It means your DNA may shape certain predispositions—but your environment, stressors, relationships, trauma exposure, diet, sleep, social support, and even societal factors (like racism or poverty) all play a huge role in whether, when, and how mental health conditions emerge

Here’s why this matters:
Understanding your family history can help your psychiatric provider personalize your care—choosing medications or therapies that may work better for your unique profile.
You can have compassion for your parents or relatives who “did the best they could” without the tools or support you now have access to.
You can break cycles—genetic or behavioral—not by blame, but by awareness.

We often hear things like:

“Now that I have kids, I’m scared of passing this on.”

Here’s what we want to say:

You are not your diagnosis.
You are your own person—with insight, options, and a chance to create new patterns.
Psychiatry is no longer one-size-fits-all. With tools like family history reviews, pharmacogenetic testing, and trauma-informed care, we can walk with you—not just based on your symptoms, but on your story.

Your family history is a chapter. Not the ending.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this series is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #personalizedpsychiatry #naturevsnurture #familyhistorymatters #psychiatriccare #bilanciapsychiatry