Psychiatrists and all in behavioral health have long studied the relationship between nature and nurture. Biology, your “raising”, your current environment and “free will” compose the essence of who you are. Spirituality and our shared universal connection complete the picture. Recent genetic statistical studies involving identical twins have given new data to help with this discussion.
Twin studies are used to track physical illness, such as hypertension and diabetes and have been used for some time. They have shown connections up to 30% likelihood of one twin developing an illness if the other did. Recent studies in depression, schizophrenia and alcoholism show rates of 60-70%, even in twins separated at birth. Autism, learning disabilities and Alzheimers have similar rates. These disorders are brain illnesses that are powerfully genetically linked.
The value in this is genetic cousiling of individuals and families with these illnesses. It also helps an individual learn about, and accept their disorder. This facilitates treatment and recovery. Denial is the bain of Psychiatry, and data such as this is a valuable tool.
Genetics does not replace free will and personal accountability, or lesson the role of early life experiences or your current family constellation. You must discover your own spiritual self. Understanding how you became who you are is the path to personal acceptance and a more satisfying life. Psychiatry plays the central role in this understanding and the new genetic studies help in this task.
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