Become a DNA Mind accredited practitioner!

The DNA Mind online course introduces you to the concept of using genetic testing and its value in a mental health practice. It covers the basics of genetics and nutrigenetics, and provides explanations of the key biochemical pathways and related genes that impact mental health including dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease, depression and anxiety disorders, as well as addictive behaviour. The course is composed of webinars, reading material, a case study and quizzes in the form of multiple choice questions to test your knowledge.

Approximately 7 hours of self-study, plus multiple choice questions. 

DNA mind reports on associations in the following areas:

• Neurodegenerative disorders – mild cognitive decline & late onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Mood disorders – Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder & post-traumatic stress disorder
• Addictive behaviour – Risk for alcohol, nicotine, cannabis & opioid dependence, psychosis response from cannabis use, eating disorders (binge eating), ‘adrenaline seeking’/risk-taking behaviour

Neuropsychiatric disorders account for up to 25% of all disability-adjusted life years (Gatt et al 2015.). Whilst the heritability of these mental disorders is significant, environmental factors also play a key role in their aetiology. Genetic variations involved in key biological processes that contribute toward the risk of development of mental health disorders may give insight to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

The DNA mind test analyses 30 genes which have been shown to have significant associations with key mental health disorders.

Clinical Value

Knowledge of an individual’s genotype will provide diagnostic insight and assist in determining optimal treatment strategies for individuals suffering from, or at risk for, mental health disorders.

Genes included in the test are involved in key biological areas related to mental health. These areas include:

• Lipid metabolism
• Inflammation
• Methylation
• Neurotrophic, dopaminergic & serotonergic pathways
• Endo-cannabinoid pathway
• Cell-signalling

DNA mind Report Provides:

• Identification of the level of impact of any genetic variants
• An explanation of their impact on the specific biochemical area
• An explanation of each area’s impact on mental health 

Practical

Privacy policy:

The DNA and the original sample material are destroyed after 3 months, so that there are no names or other identifiers on the samples. The samples are analysed only for the SNPs that are included in the tests at DNALife, and no other research or analyses are performed without a separate permission from the patient. We do not give or sell the results to any third parties.