Genetics And Mental Health

Genetics and Mental Health – Part 1: MAO-A

Our mental health, emotional resilience, and stress responses are influenced by more than just our environment. Our genes also play a powerful role in how our brain functions.

Today, we’re focusing on one important gene involved in mental health regulation: MAO-A.

This gene directly influences how key neurotransmitters function in the brain, which impacts mood, motivation, focus, and emotional regulation. Let’s break this down in simple terms.

MAO-A: The Neurotransmitter Breakdown Gene

MAO-A (Monoamine Oxidase A) is an enzyme responsible for breaking down essential neurotransmitters, including:

• Serotonin – mood and emotional calm

• Dopamine – motivation, pleasure, and reward

• Noradrenaline – focus, alertness, and stress response

  
  

When MAO-A Is Functioning Well

When MAO-A activity is balanced:

• Neurotransmitters remain in healthy levels

• Mood and stress responses are well regulated

• Emotional processing remains stable and proportional

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When MAO-A Is Overactive

If MAO-A breaks down neurotransmitters too quickly, this may contribute to:

• Low mood or depression

• Anxiety

• Low motivation

• Irritability

• Poor stress tolerance

  
  

When MAO-A Is Underactive

If MAO-A activity is too low and neurotransmitters linger too long, this may be associated with:

• Emotional reactivity

• Impulsivity

• Overstimulation

• Anger dysregulation in some individuals

  
  

Medication Sensitivity and MAO-A Variants

People with MAO-A genetic variants often respond differently to medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, stimulant medications for ADHD, and even certain herbal medicines. This is one reason some individuals experience strong side effects at very low doses.

Can We Change the Gene?

We cannot change the gene itself, but we can influence how it behaves through epigenetics—the way lifestyle and environmental factors affect gene expression.

Key lifestyle factors that strongly influence MAO-A expression include:

• Chronic stress

• Childhood trauma

• Poor sleep quality

• Excess alcohol consumption

  
  

Understanding your genetic blueprint can provide valuable insight into your mental health and guide more personalized, effective support strategies.

You can only determine whether you carry an MAO-A genetic variant through genetic testing.

Feel free to email me on mjanewellness@gmail.com if you want to learn more!