The Genetics of Mental Disorders-Batman & Robin

Image Credit: GrAl/Shutterstock.com

The other day, I posted a few thoughts on the chemistry of mental disorders. Today, it will be the genetics of some Mental Disorders( three) and answer the common question of most, Is Mental Disorder Inherited?  

When I was growing up in the Philippines, my parents advise me not to marry in a family with a history of mental illness, because "crazyness" is inherited. At that time I did not believe it.  Today it is known that 17 to 28% of mental disorders are genetic-based. However, Mental disorders are not exclusively genetic. They are caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Here's an article ( see link below) on the Genetics of Mental Disorders that I found very informative.

There are hundreds of different types of mental (or psychiatric) disorders as characterized and defined by the DSM and ICD. Many disorders are under specific categories including (but not limited to):

• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Developmental disorders
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Sexuality-related disorders
• Substance-use disorders

Within these categories, specific disorders include (to name a few examples):

• Major depressive disorder (depression)
• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic disorder
• Sleepwalking
• Primary Insomnia
• Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anorexia nervosa
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Dyslexia
• Dementia is also included as a mental disorder in the DSM/ICD due to the vast cognitive and personality impairments that occur, in addition to it primarily being a neurological disease

No one psychiatric or mental disorder has a full 100% genetic basis or heritability, and many environmental factors may strongly influence the likelihood of developing a particular disorder or not – despite the presence or absence of genetic elements. Many of these disorders, therefore, have multi-factorial causes – some genetic and some environmental.

In this article, only those disorders with a strong genetic basis will be highlighted. A large proportion of mental disorders do have a high degree of heritability – that is that the risk of having a disorder if another family member has it significantly increases. Independent of that, there may be specific genetic mutations or polymorphisms that may predispose individuals to a higher risk of mental disorder without a family history.

Genetic mutations, polymorphisms or epigenetic changes (that will be discussed below) can alter the development of the brain in a way that changes the typical wiring of the brain. As such, mental disorders can arise at any point in life e.g., from birth – such as ASD, or later in life in combination with environmental triggers - such as bipolar disorder. These predispositions may lower the threshold required for mental disorders to begin in adults compared to “neurotypical” individuals.

Bipolar disorder

One of the most highly genetically inherited psychiatric disorders is bipolar disorder which may affect as much as 1-4% of the population. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of depression followed by periods of abnormally elevated mood (mania/hypomania). Whilst environmental factors are known to be important causes of bipolar disorder, it is estimated that around 70-90% of all cases are attributed to genetic factors.

Specific genetic mutations or polymorphisms (SNPs) within CACNA1C, ODZ4, TRANK1, GNG2, ANK3, TPH2, ITPR2, SHANK2, & NCAN have been identified in genetic studies as candidates for increasing the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. These may either be directly inherited from parents or form de novo during development.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is thought to have up to 70-80% genetic heritability. Like bipolar disorder, having a first-degree relative with the disorder drastically increases the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life – though environmental factors are also incredibly important. However, separating whether this is due to genetic causes or shared environmental conditions is difficult. The cumulative effect of multiple inherited or de novo mutations/polymorphisms in combination with environmental triggers can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

For example, copy number variants (CNVs) involved in DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2) which includes deletions of around 50 genes including COMT and 17q12 microdeletion syndrome are highly associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia – but are also prevalently associated comorbidly with ASD and other intellectual disabilities. Other specific genetic mutations implicated in schizophrenia include genetic disruptions to LAMA2, SETD1A, DPYD, TRRAP, TAF13, ARC & VPS39.

Perhaps the most widely known genetic cause of schizophrenia is DISC1 (disrupted in schizophrenia 1), identified in a Scottish family who had schizophrenia and subsequently other families including in America. However, subsequent GWAS studies have not shown any strong associations between DISC1 and schizophrenia, often with mixed results. Whist DISC1 may not be a commonly implicated gene in GWAS studies, it does still show specific mutation level effects in specific families with schizophrenia e.g., 1q43:11q14 translocation.

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder usually present from birth. Specific genes have been implicated in ASD including MECP2, SHANK1-3, CACN1E/B2, NRXN, SYNGAP1, UBE3A, KCNQ2/3/5, SCNA2 & SYN1/3 to name a few common examples. Many of these genes are related to specific ion channels and synapses thus suggesting abnormal synaptic and neural network development. It is therefore unsurprising that depending on what genes are implicated (and what mutations occur), there is a large degree of clinical and genetic heterogeneity in ASD owing to such a diverse plethora of genetic mutations in ASD.

Summary

In summary, mental (psychiatric) disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and ASD have strong genetic bases (mutations, polymorphisms and epigenetic changes) that can be directly inherited from an affected parent, or for de novo during development.

Whilst there are several key genes implicated in specific disorders, there are numerous pleiotropic genes that are implicated in all of these disorders rooted in deficits in single genes (e.g., DCC), and calcium channel genes (e.g., CACNA1C).

Thus, many of these disorders arise due to abnormal neuro development which can either cause disorder from birth (ASD) or strongly predispose individuals to developing psychiatric conditions later in life especially in combination with additional environmental factors such as stress.

Related Stories

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• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health?
• Polygenic risk score no better at predicting psychosis outcomes than written reports, study finds

https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Genetics-of-Mental-Disorder.aspx

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of My Recent Pets-No Signs of Crazyness just love and bonding-Batman & Robin and my 4th of July lunch rich in omega-3-fatty acids

  

Grilled Bangus( Teriyaki Station) and Pork Hock Estofado( Shef.com) with rice and pancit. My veggie will be Steamed Peas( too bad my okra are still not bearing fruits).

 

The Chemistry of Mental Illness- A Medical Crises of Teens and Young Adults

I was watching PBS news the other day, There was a segment on the current crises of mental illness of teenagers and young adults. Today, it is high time to talk about it. During my teenage years in the Philippines, the subject of mental illness is a taboo subject during family conversations or gathering. A family associated with mental illness is not socially acceptable and a subject of gossips in the community. Today, the attitude has improved, but not as widely discussed as high blood pressure, diabetes, or dermatitis. Mental Illness is a disease that can be treated and should be talked about. Just the other day, I learned that after July 15, a new 3-digit (988) crises line will be available nationally for suicide prevention besides the old 911 for emergency needs. 

Here's a brief and simple summary of the basic chemistry involved when a person is mentally ill. The detail source is listed at the bottom of this page  

" The brain itself depends on chemicals known as neurotransmitters to function properly. In brain chemistry, when there is too much or too little of one or more chemicals on a prolonged basis, this can affect a person’s mental health.

Happiness, sadness, excitement, euphoria, and even fear are emotions that are triggered and maintained by chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the brain’s way of communicating with the body’s nerve cells. When there isn’t enough or there is too much of one kind of neurotransmitter present, it can lead to what are called ‘bad nerves’.

The chief neurotransmitters produced by the brain are:

Dopamine

• Dopamine is the chemical in the brain that is associated with the pleasure and reward centers of the brain. High amounts of dopamine lead to feelings of pleasure or euphoria.

Serotonin

• Serotonin is the chemical associated with rest and sleep. However, it’s also associated with your moods, sexual arousal and even hunger.

Glutamate

• Glutamate is associated with learning, memory and feelings of excitement.

Norepinephrine

• Norepinephrine acts as both a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone. Norepinephrine is a stress-responsive chemical that creates the “fight or flight” response when we are feeling stressed out. Low levels of it can cause ADHD and depression.

Antidepressant medications help millions of Americans fight depression by correcting the chemical imbalances in their brains to some degree.  

However, these medications don’t work for some people. Sometimes the chemical imbalance might not be severe enough to necessitate prescription medication.

That’s why we might suggest other ways of correcting this chemical imbalance. Exercise can have a profound effect on dopamine levels in the brain when they are performed on a regular basis. The pleasure and reward centers of the brain are stimulated from strenuous exercise, and the effects can be amazing for mental health.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to expedite the brain’s use of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. When levels of these two chemicals are increased, feelings of depression and fatigue begin to lessen ". Besides Fish Oil supplements these are good sources of omega-3-fatty acids for the Brain and Heart.

• Fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines)
• Nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts)
• Plant oils (such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil)

For details read:

https://southsidemedical.net/how-brain-chemistry-affects-mental-health/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my new pets-Batman & Robin

 

 

How Pets Can Help Fight Loneliness on Seniors- Batman & Robin

 

 Robin grooming the feet and legs of Batman( My Two Buddies)

 

My two kitties, Batman & Robin have been a pleasure so far. Taking Care of them gives me more exercise and less time watching TV on Netflix or Amazon Prime. The two play together, groom each other, sleep and cuddle together but have separate bowl for food and water.  Robin although younger is more dominant/aggressive and Batman is very patient to please him. 

 

Batman( black face is older by 4 weeks) but like being dominated by Robin ( white face). I cleaned the litter box twice a day. I cleaned the food and water bowl also daily. I let them seat on my lap, morning, noon and evening. Otherwise I let them roam around between the bathroom and the Guest Room and Hallway. They are still forbidden in my bedroom and computer room. Evidently I will allow them to the Family room, formal Dining Room, Kitchen and Utility Room. They are not allowed in the Living Room because of the house plants in my big picture window. I have purchased a free standing 4-panel door Gate to kept them away from my house plants in the Living Room.      

Batman and Robin enjoy cuddling in my Chair in the Guest Room

 

Robin cuddling( claws and feet intertwined) with Batman in my Computer Chair in the Guest Room

 

Meanwhile enjoy this article on how Pets can help fight loneliness in Seniors especially those living alone.

 

Loneliness in seniors is on the rise. One in five Americans say that they feel lonely and nearly half of our seniors say they often feel lonely. Loneliness can affect you physically and mentally. According to a new study of social isolation published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in May, loneliness doesn’t just affect your moods. It can affect your health and especially your heart.

But here’s the good news. A new survey by Home Instead, Inc. says that regular interaction with animals can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness in older adults. Researchers found that petting a dog, holding a cat or watching a bird can brighten up the mood of a lonely senior.

Stress relief

Spending time with a pet releases endorphins. Endorphins have a calming effect and reduce levels of stress. This is especially good for patients who suffer from dementia.  Dementia patients can become stressed when they are unable to communicate with people or are unable to express their ideas or feelings. Having pets around allows them to bond with animals without relying on any language.

Self-Confidence

Spending time with pets gives seniors a sense of purpose and boosts their self-confidence and improves self-esteem. Seniors feel independent and happily take on the responsibility of owning a pet.

Exercise

Seniors who own pets are more likely to get recommended levels of exercise. As a result, they have lower blood pressure and less stress. Exercise also improves motor skills and reduces the risk of joint stiffness, falls and pain. Seniors with arthritis especially benefit from petting an animal. Seniors with a risk of heart disease also benefit from spending time with a pet, because this positively spent time helps to lower blood pressure levels. Interacting with animals actually lessens the perception of pain and discomfort.

The chance to socialize with other people

Not everyone wants to own a pet. But don’t worry: seniors experience the same positive feelings even when they visit with pets owned by family, friends or neighbors. Even interactions for half an hour a week can make a difference. For details visit the following site:

 https://whitneyrehab.com/how-pets-can-help-fight-loneliness-in-seniors/

Meanwhile enjoy this dish I ordered from Shef.com the other day

My Fried Pompano( Shef.com)-I added more onions and a dash of Peppercone Chile Oil for a little hotness...Yummy!

 

Change of Names From Romulus & Remus to Batman & Robin- Mobile Vets Services

The other day I posted of how I adopted two kittens instead of one as I originally intended. I proposed to name them Romulus & Remus inspired by the twin brothers of Ancient Rome. Since the kittens are neither twins or brothers, the names are not appropriate. Carenna suggested Batman & Robin because of the face the older kitten looks like a Batman ( see photo above). Ditas and I agreed. The names Batman & Robin are also appropriate because the two kittens are neutered males and will grow up like Eunuchs and are now having a gay relationship. The other day I saw Batman( black face) leaking(grooming) the forehead of Robin ( white face). Robin was enjoying it. I approve it. I accept a person/pet because of their personality and not of their gender orientation. 

On the subject of adopting Two instead of One. My decision to adopt two kittens instead of one was the best decision I made the other day, Here are the reasons why, Two kittens are Better then One.    

There are many benefits to bringing home two kittens at once:https://www.petpartners.com/blog/9-reasons-to-get-two-kittens-instead-of-one

Live-in playmate!

Unlike with puppies, getting two kittens at once can actually mean less work for you! When you bring home two kittens, they will have a built-in playmate. Both kittens can burn off extra energy by chasing, pouncing and play hunting each other throughout the house. Giving them an outlet for their kitten crazies means they’ll have less energy to engage in destructive behaviors like scratching the couch!

Fewer behavioral issues.

Raising two kittens means that your cats will pick up on feline behavior cues. Both kittens will learn how to behave socially and will be more well-adjusted! Cats learn how to “speak” cat by interacting with other cats, so raising your kittens together ensures they will learn how hard to play, how to share territory, how to communicate their needs and many other crucial social skills. In the future if you add more cats to your household, your kittens will understand how to interact with them and the new addition will have an easier transition into the family.

Keep each other company.

If you work long hours, a single kitten can become lonely being the only one in the house. Despite the jokes that cats prefer their own company, kittens are actually very social creatures! The territorial nature of cats is a main factor in them seeking solitude, and it generally doesn’t kick in until adulthood. For this reason, kittens crave the attention and fun of a playmate. Having two cats at home means you don’t have to feel guilty leaving for work or vacation since you know they will keep each other company.

Increased learning.

Kittens learn by copying the behaviors of others, so having two kittens means less time training them for tasks such as using the litter box. Kittens learn the basics of how to gauge distance, walk along narrow objects, balance, climb, tumble and stalk during the first year of their life. Having another kitten to copy and learn from can help your cat understand his limits during playtime and keep him safer into his adult years. In addition, if one of your kittens has a bigger personality while the other is quiet and nervous, the more adventurous kitten may help teach your shy cat to be more confident and playful!

Better grooming habits.

Kittens normally begin to groom themselves between 4 and 5 weeks old. Often kittens will groom each other as a sign of protection and affection. It’s difficult for cats to reach their own faces and ears, so they may rely on the other cats in their home to keep these areas tidy.

Healthier cats.

Having two cats reduces the chance that your cats will be overweight. Even as they get older, cats will often start up games with each other resulting in zooming around the house, pouncing from underneath furniture or jumping up on cat trees. Living an active lifestyle as they age and not becoming overweight will increase their lifespan and keep them healthier overall.

Save your senior cat’s sanity.

Even if you have another cat in the house, it might be a good idea to consider bringing home two kittens. While introducing a new kitten into the family can help to get your senior pet moving, one kitten’s endless drive to play can harass an older cat who wants to spend his days snoozing and not babysitting.

Costs remain relatively similar.

The great thing about two kittens is that two hardly costs more than just one! Kittens can share litter boxes, cat trees, food and water bowls, beds and toys! Some rescues will offer discounts on two kittens who are bonded or from the same litter to ensure that they go to the same home. Veterinary costs for vaccinations and deworming will be a little more for two kittens, but if you enroll in pet insurance you can choose coverage that will reimburse for the costs of annual wellness care to save you money on veterinary costs! 

Twice the love for less work.

You only have to kitten-proof your house once regardless of how many kitties you’re bringing home. Two kittens means two new lives in your house that will provide double the entertainment, snuggles and love!

Tips:

• Look for kittens from the same litter or a pair that bonded during their time in an animal shelter. That way you’re guaranteed that their personalities will match!
• It’s suggested that you choose two male cats or a male and female combination if bringing home two kittens who are not already bonded as they tend to get along better than two females.
• Cats generally don’t like eating close together, so consider placing your kittens’ food bowls across the room from each other.

Batman & Robin have already bonded during their time at the Animal Shelter.

So far I am enjoying the two kittens. It will keep me busy and company all year round. Adopting two kittens instead of one was the best decision I have made so far.

New Things I learned Today: Mobile Vets: Since I do not drive, I made an appointment for an animal doctor for home visit to give Batman & Robin their 3rd vaccination. This is the first time I used the services of a Mobile Vets for Pet Care. A little bit expensive than a regular Vets office visit, but worth it.  No waiting, no pet cages and no driving! I have also ordered Cat Food ( both wet and Dry) from Pet Smart on line.

 

A Two for One Kitten Adoption-Romulus and Remus

Two events that happened this week makes me so happy, but inside I feel a little bit sad because tomorrow Ditas and Carenna will be flying to Washington DC for a new adventure in their lives. 

The first event was the Farewell Dinner at Mulvaney B & L hosted by the Bustamante's ( https://marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-last-of-ditas-and-carennas-farewell.html) last Friday.   The second event is this article of my unexpected adoption of two kittens instead of one.  Here are the details of this adoption.

This is Rockwell/ Romulus Katague- Adopted -6/25/22 -Very Friendly

Yesterday, Ditas, Carenna and I drove to the Bradshaw Animal Shelter looking to adopt a kitten so I will not be lone in this big house. That day there were more than 250 young and adult cats for adoption. We looked for while for 30 minutes. I got tired and sat down to rest and perused the brochures with pictures of the kittens.  At the bottom of page 1 of the brochure a picture of a Black and White Kitten attracted my attention. I told Ditas I want that kitten and wanted to see it in person. As fate dictates, the kitten was just a few feet where I was resting. The kitten has a white forehead/breast and black back( see photo above). I told the attendant at the Shelter I wanted him. The name of the  kitty was Rockwell and 9 weeks old. The attendant suggested I should also adopt Rockwell's cage and playmate mate that also look like him so they will not be lonely. The second Kitty was named Steinbeck and is 13 weeks, also a Black and White but with black forehead and phantom like face. He is 4 weeks older and slightly bigger than Rockwell. To my surprise, I decided to adopt both kittens.

This is Steinbeck/Remus Katague-Adopted 6/25/22. He is a little bit shy and not as friendly as Rockwell/Romulus- the first kitty that attracted my attention.
 

The second kitty in the shelter was named Steinbeck. I immediately decided to name him Remus* and the first kitty named Rockwell I changed to Romulos*. Both kittens are neutered male. The names Remus and Romulos reminds me of the twin brothers of Ancient Rome*. After paying for the adoption fees/paper work, we have 2 kittens to take home. Here are more photos:

Ditas and Carenna have been busy buying kitten toys, bed/scratch board and litter boxes. Hopefully when Remus and Romulos matured to adulthood, they will be able to scare the blue birds in my backyard attacking my plants and berries. In the meantime, I will have 2 kittens keeping me company this summer.   For Details on how to adopt cats/dogs and other animals visit:
 

 https://animalcare.saccounty.gov/Adoption/Pages/ViewAllAdoptableAnimals.aspx

*In Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus are twin brothers whose story tells of the events that led to the founding of the city of Rome and the Roman Kingdom by Romulus, following his killing of Remus. The image of a she-wolf suckling the twins in their infancy has been a symbol of the city of Rome and the ancient Romans since at least the 3rd century BC. Although the tale takes place before the founding of Rome around 750 BC, the earliest known written account of the myth is from the late 3rd century BC. Possible historical bases for the story, and interpretations of its various local variants, are subjects of ongoing debate.(Wikipedia)

 

The Last of Ditas and Carenna's Farewell and Carenna's Graduation Party

 

Our Party with Patrick Mulvaney,* Head Chef Of Mulvaney B and L 

Last night, Michael**( see linkIn below) and Claudine Bustamante family from Southern California flew purposely to Sacramento to host a Dinner for Ditas & Carenna Farewell and also Carenna's belated graduation party at the famous Mulvaney's restaurant in Downtown Sacramento. I have heard of this highly rated restaurant from Ditas but have never eaten and tasted their delicious and hand-crafted American Dishes. 

Above is the menu for June 24. There is a separate menu for desserts only(below). 

First we have starters and the small plates on the menu-River Dog Red Leaf Lettuce with Ceasar Dressings($14), Twin Peaks Peaches with Hand-Pulled Mozzarella($18) and the Hand Cut Pappardelle-Porcini Mushrooms etc...($25). We had it family style. The dishes were delicious specially the pasta Pappardelle. I will rate it 5 out of 5. I could rate it higher, but I can not. The Pasta was my favorite dish of the Night. Its a dish worthy of visiting Mulvaney's in the future. For a non-pasta enthusiast, I was surprised I love the dish so much. It must be the lemony sauce, and the Fromage Blanc and perhaps the Porcini mushrooms.

After the starter the five of us ordered a different dish from the Large Plate Menu. I ordered the Seared Sea Scallops($40). It was not as tasty as I expected and the Fiddlehead Ferns was hard to my 87-year old teeth. I will rate it 3 out of 5. Carenna ordered the Roasted Chicken($38). Ditas ordered the Wagyu Zabuton Steak($54), Michael the Pork Chop($42) and I did not remember what Claudine ordered. Mathew- the Bustamante's 11-year old son had 3 Servings of Pasta for the Night. Looking at Mathew's face I could see he was enjoying the Pasta Dish very much. It was a delight looking at an 11-year old boy enjoying his dinner.

After our main dish we ordered Desserts from the Menu and Shared it Family Style. We have the Honey Blackberry Cheesecake, the Fig & Raspberry Crostada and the Dessert the named as Ding Dong and another dessert that Carenna ordered. The desserts cost $10 each.

With our meals, Ditas brought with her 6 bottles of White and Red Navarro Wines from her collection. We have to pay for corkage fee however. Here are more photos during our dinner.

A Separate Menu for Desserts and Afterthoughts in the Glass( Dessert Wines/Liquor)

Patrick Mulvaney Greeting and Welcoming Us

The Wagyu Zabuton Steak- the most expensive dish in the Menu of the Day($54)

Double-Cut Bledsoe Pork Chop with Dwelly Farms Summer Succotash

Twin Peaks Peaches with Hand-Pulled Mozzarella ($18)

In case you have not heard of Mulvaney's here a brief summary from their website.   https://mulvaneysbl.com/about/           

"Mulvaney’s B&L is many things. We’re a restaurant that specializes in hand-crafted New American cuisine, a farm-to-table devotee that celebrates the efforts of the growers, ranchers, brewers and winemakers who are our neighbors, purveyors and friends.

Set in a historic 1893 firehouse, with its original brick walls and soaring ceilings, Mulvaney’s B&L is also a nexus of Sacramento: a place where we serve up impeccable and creative fare (our menu changes daily in step with the local growing seasons), and facilitate the connections of the guests we love to host.

Our “wonderful old B&L” is the brainchild – no, the passion – of owners Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney, who bring more than a half century and six time zones’ worth of experience to their mission. We strive to provide our guests with the best our region has to offer and a place to have their own culinary experience".

* Patrick Mulvaney is the head chef of Mulvaney’s B&L, a farm-to-table restaurant in Sacramento that focuses on local, fresh, and organic ingredients. Mulvaney began his culinary career in 1985 as a European apprentice, cooking under some of Europe’s most renowned chefs. Since then, he has worked in numerous restaurants throughout the country before settling in Sacramento and becoming a leading figure in the city’s farm-to-fork movement. 

For Michael Bustamante LinkIn read:

**https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bustamante-86556b157/ 

Again, Thank you Michael and Claudine for the delicious dinner at Mulvaney last night.  What a gastronomic delight!! The Bustamante's were Carenna's Godparents ( sponsors) during her Baptism.