What can genetic counseling do for someone with a personal or family history of Bipolar Disorder:
The understanding surrounding the genetic contribution to mental health disorders has changed as more information has been gathered. The environment and a person’s experiences contribute a great deal to their wellness and when it comes to most mental health disorders, it’s the combination of genetic factors and environmental factors that contribute to triggering the onset of symptoms. Individuals may feel shame or stigma talking about their experiences or concerns, but our practice offers a safe, judgement-free, compassionate environment for patients to feel comfortable being open with their questions and concerns. Psychiatric genetic counseling is here to help reduce negative feelings and educate individuals on their options and their true risk factors for themselves or their family members.
Individuals may be seeking more information about their own health to better understand “why” they have a mental health disorder while someone else does not. Clover Genetics can provide credible, reliable, and current health information
Patients who may feel stressed about family planning or their children’s health can benefit from talking to our genetic counselors to better understand how to utilize protective factors and preventative health to reduce their children’s risk for mental health disorder onset.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing may also be an option for those who have struggled to find medications to manage their symptoms appropriately. Clover Genetics can work with individuals, or individuals and their physicians, to discuss if that kind of testing would be useful. We will not make recommendations for any medication changes, but the resulting information may direct discussions with your physician on guided and informed decision-making.
Questions? Contact us below, we are here to help:
Sources:
Medline Plus
MayoClinic
DSM-V
NIH
PMID: 30181867