Humans carry genetic predispositions for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc. For mental health conditions such as mood disorders, psychosis, addiction etc there exist similar identifiable predispositions.
While there are genetic marker tests to identify these genes and mutations, it is rare, extremely expensive and still in the nascent stage. One such test is called the neurotransmitter test which assesses the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain and can indicate the presence or risk of different mental health concerns. But these are not tests that are easily accessible.
What is easily accessible are annual body scans and blood work, and can that indicate the presence or at-risk level of your mental health? The short answer is, yes.
Understanding how our body and mind are connected:
Your body and mind are intricately connected, leading to them influencing each other significantly. For instance, if someone is suffering from cancer or severe arthritis that will eventually lead to prolonged stress on their mental health further leading to possible mood disorders and anxiety.
While blood reports are not conclusive indicators of mental health disorders, certain parameters have a high correlation with mental health. A high range of thyroid (hypothyroidism) would indicate an increased likelihood of unregulated anger, and extreme mood swings and can exaggerate the symptoms of depression. A low range of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 may contribute to increased spells of sadness, brain fog, concentration issues, and memory lapses. An imbalance in hormones can have short-term and long-term effects on mental health such as - increased irritability, frustration outbursts, anxiousness, sleep disturbances and behavioral changes.
Increased bacteria or viral infections in the stomach also contribute to mental ill-health. In fact, the gut is often called ‘the second brain’ (Young, 2012), which means that often if you are experiencing prolonged acidity or constipation, your mental health stressors are manifesting as physical symptoms. For instance, remember a time when you were feeling nervous before an examination or interview and you felt nauseous, your stomach is queasy or contrasting body temperatures - that is your second brain. More interestingly, the reverse is also true albeit often overlooked. Your gut health can directly impact the level of neurotransmitters available to your brain and body. About 500 million neurons are said to reside in our guts. These neurons are known to interact with those in our brains, explaining how the quality of the microbiome in your gut can impact your mental health and cognitive performance.
It is advisable to have your blood report seen by a general physician and a psychiatrist who will be to understand the reports and provide you with insights so treatment if any, can work in tandem for optimum health.
Since your routine checkups can tell you about your mental health, we have tied up with Portea to provide lab tests at an exclusive discounted cost of 20% off on all diagnostic tests!
Portea Medical delivers quality care with compassion. We bring world-class medical care into our patients’ homes and aim to make primary healthcare not only more accessible but also more affordable and accountable to our patient’s needs.
Details of how to redeem:
Call on the Portea helpline (1800 121 3090) and use the code TWNTYDIS while booking the service to get 20% discount on all diagnostic tests!
Remember, you’re not alone. :)
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