Researchers in Germany have discovered that a specific genetic mutation is responsible for some mental illnesses, a step that could pave the way for new methods of early treatment for such conditions. The researchers from the Leipzig University's Genetic Research Institute found that changes in a particular gene may be the direct cause of some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety-related disorders. "The results indicate that GRIN2A is the first known gene that can cause mental illnesses," said Jonas Limke, head of the research team. He added in statements to the scientific research website "SciTech Daily": "We have proven that mutations in this gene are linked not only to schizophrenia but also to other mental illnesses, and these disorders can appear in early stages of life, such as childhood and adolescence." The researchers also noted that this genetic mutation is also associated with epilepsy and some cases of cognitive disability. A team of researchers in Germany has discovered that a specific genetic mutation is responsible for some mental illnesses, in a step that could pave the way for new ways to treat these types of diseases early. The researchers found at the Leipzig University's Genetic Engineering Research Institute that changes in a certain gene may be the direct cause of some mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety-related psychological disorders. The World Health Organization revealed in a 2021 report that about one in seven people worldwide suffer from some kind of mental illness, and the most common of these are anxiety and depression, noting that these diseases result from a set of causes, including genetic factors. According to the study published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry, which specializes in psychological studies, the researchers at Leipzig University concluded that genetic mutations affecting the GRIN2A gene are among the genetic causes of mental illnesses. The study included 121 people who had mutations in the aforementioned gene.
