Utopix Magazine- Issue 1

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The Importance of Genetic and Environmental

Factors On The Development of Disorders

While genetics play an important role in mental health wellness, environmental factors exert

a stronger influence. The development of mental illnesses typically involves interaction

between genetic and environmental factors, such as stressful life events, socioeconomic

status, and access to support systems. Albeit genes can increase the likelihood of developing

mental illnesses in response to environmental experiences. Disorders like schizophrenia,

bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder have significant heritable components

running within families. However, having a family history of certain disorders does not always

guarantee their onset. The two disorders I will be focusing on in this essay are major

depressive disorder (MDD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

According to the ADAMHS Board, it is estimated that 1.6% to 5.9% of the general population

has BPD and 75% of that population is made up of women (NHS, 2024). Individuals with a

personality disorder feel, think, behave and relate to the average person differently. Segal

(2021) explains that BPD is one of the most common personality disorders, and is often

diagnosed during adolescence to early adulthood. The symptoms of BPD include impulsive

actions, disturbed patterns of thinking and a fear of abandonment, which manifest in

troubled interpersonal relationships, identity crises and an increased suicide risk. Sultan et al.

(2022) conclude that although the root cause of personality disorders is still not clear, it is

assumed that they occur due to a combination of genes and early environmental influences

such as having a distressing childhood wherein an individual was subjected to abuse or

neglect.

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