Posted by jamestheyonger on November 27, 2005, at 1:11:56
In reply to Re: where to get Serotonin Transporter gene testing? » law663, posted by Tomatheus on November 27, 2005, at 0:02:19
I do not think genetic testing is useful, yet, for mental illness. Having a gene for something does not mean you will get it; only existing diagnostic methods will indicate you have depression, ect.
Knowing you have a gene for a disease can allow you to take preventive steps but prevention for mental illness is non-specific (reduce stress, nutrition, exercise). Things everyone should do.
It is a fallacy that there are genes for mental illness, cancer, ect. Genes only control proteins. There is not always a high correlation between having or lacking a protein and a specific disease. Getting from a protein to a disease is often a multi-step process.
For genetic testing to be effective one must be counseled by a geneticist. Other doctors are not qualified to provide interpretation of genetic testing.
poster:jamestheyonger
thread:582481
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