Mental Health Genomics

This short module touches on our current understanding of the genetics of mental health, with practical information to help NPs understand genetic vulnerabilities that influence these conditions and help to interpret  recurrence risk estimates 

The module is based on commons questions faced by NPs in their day-to-day practice. 

A psychiatric genetic counsellor discusses some of the issues surrounding the genetic and environmental factors and how they may interact to determine whether or not a patient becomes symptomatic.  She uses the “jar model” as analogy that may be useful in your practice. 

 Estimated time: 45 minutes

Learning Objectives

• • Understand the genetic and environmental contributions to common mental illnesses 
  • Appreciate the importance of including mental illness in a family history 
  • Use the family history to assess vulnerabilities for specific types of mental illness for patients and family members 
  • Gather some tools to help to share this information with patients to aid their understanding of the causes of mental illness as well as strategies to promote mental health. 

 

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