What is mental health?
Mental health describes how you think, feel and cope with daily life. It covers emotional balance, the ability to handle stress, and the capacity to connect with others and find meaning. It is not a fixed state. It moves with seasons of life, health, sleep and circumstance. Brain chemistry, hormones, relationships and life experiences all interact to shape how you feel and function from day to day.
How your genes play a role
Research suggests that many genes each contribute a small amount to mental health tendencies. Some influence serotonin signaling, others shape the stress hormone system or the way brain cells communicate through calcium channels. Importantly, genes interact with experience. The same variant may matter more or less depending on stress, support and lifestyle, which is why genes never tell the whole story.
Knowing your biological tendencies can help replace self blame with understanding. If your stress system may be more reactive, or your serotonin signaling may differ from average, it can make sense to prioritize the routines that steady you. Many people find this knowledge useful when talking with a therapist, physician or psychiatrist about their care. It is one thoughtful input among many, never a label.
What your report shows
Your Mental Health results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Serotonin signalingHow your serotonin transporter and receptor genes may differ from the average.
- Stress resilienceVariants linked to how your body regulates and recovers from stress hormones.
- Neural connectionHow your genes may influence the growth and flexibility of brain connections.
- Signaling channelsVariants in calcium channels that help brain cells communicate.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| SLC6A4 | Codes for the serotonin transporter, which recycles serotonin after… | Typical |
| 5HTR2A | Makes a serotonin receptor involved in mood, perception and… | Moderate effect |
| FKBP5 | Helps fine tune the body's response to cortisol and… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| SLC6A4 | Codes for the serotonin transporter, which recycles serotonin after it has carried a signal. |
| 5HTR2A | Makes a serotonin receptor involved in mood, perception and how the brain processes information. |
| FKBP5 | Helps fine tune the body's response to cortisol and is widely studied in stress research. |
| BDNF | Produces a growth factor that supports the health and adaptability of brain cells. |
| CACNA1C | Codes for a calcium channel that helps regulate signaling between brain cells. |
Full panel: 13 genes
SLC6A4, COMT, BDNF, FKBP5, 5HTR1A, 5HTR1B, 5HTR2A, HTR1A, CACNA1C, CRH, CRHR1, DISC1, NRG1
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Consistent, sufficient sleep is often one of the first topics clinicians explore for emotional wellbeing.
Regular physical activity is widely associated with better mood and stress handling.
Staying connected with trusted people may help buffer difficult periods.
Talking with a therapist or physician can help you turn insight into a plan that fits you.
Questions
Can a DNA test diagnose a mental health condition?
No. Genetic results cannot diagnose any condition. Diagnosis requires a qualified professional who considers your history, symptoms and circumstances.
If I carry a variant, will I struggle?
Not necessarily. Most variants have small effects and interact with your environment and experiences, so many people with them never face related challenges.
Who should I share my results with?
Your physician, psychiatrist or therapist can help you interpret your results in context. If you are struggling right now, please reach out to a professional or a local support line.
Only interested in this area? The Mood & Emotions Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
