First-Ever Consumer DNA Test to Unlock the Connection Between Genetics and Mental Wellness-Related Behavioral Tendencies, Offers “How-To” Guidance to Improve Mental Health and Wellness

A breakthrough in the translation of genetic mechanisms and traits that can influence a person’s behavioral predispositions, Genomind Mental Health Map provides the starting point to empower consumers to take action towards better mental health and wellness

Genomind’s proprietary ‘7 Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities’ applies Company’s scientific and clinical expertise to curate the world’s most robust mental wellness action plan based on genetics

Enables access to resources, tools, and recommendations from advocacy groups including The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and The American Lung Association

Genomind^®, a leading mental health company, today announced the official launch of Genomind^® Mental Health Map™. This unique product is the most comprehensive direct-to-consumer test focused solely on genetics, traits, and predispositions associated with mental health and wellness. Genomind has curated an extensive portfolio of mental health-related genetics expertise to develop the framework for Genomind Mental Health Map, employing several hundred clinically and scientifically supported sources, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene association studies.

Organized around Genomind’s proprietary ‘7 Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities™’, the test analyzes 38 genetic variants and their influence on 29 mental health traits. The result is an interactive report that details 59 possible behavioral predispositions specific to each user’s genetic profile, along with resources and actionable recommendations shown to improve wellness and quality of life. Genomind Mental Health Map is the only DNA test in the consumer market with a specific focus on mental health and wellness.

“There’s no question that genetics plays an integral role in mental health. The ability to now translate those insights into daily guidance for an individual could yield tremendous benefits for those who want to understand how their genes affect their predispositions to a range of behavioral and mental wellness factors, as well as the steps they can take to improve their overall quality of life,” said Stephen Stahl, MD, PhD, Chairman of Neuroscience Education Institute. “By organizing the report around 7 Genetic Mental Health Capabilities, Genomind has made this both informative and actionable, empowering those with a starting point for understanding how they are hardwired, and resources for optimizing their wellness journey.”

Because no prescription is required, consumers can conduct the test on their own by self-administering a cheek swab to provide a DNA sample and returning it to Genomind in a pre-paid container. Within a few days of receiving the sample, Genomind provides results via an interactive online report, with a secure encrypted connection, that is specific to each user’s individual genetic profile. The results are organized around Genomind’s ‘7 Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities:’

• Stress and Anxiety (stress response, anxiety, and adaptability)
• Mood (temperament, outlook, emotional vulnerability, and mood stability)
• Focus and Memory (working memory, long-term memory, focus, and attention)
• Substance Use and Habits (habit-forming potential and effects of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana)
• Sleep (sleep cycle, how easily you fall asleep, sleeping behavior, and daytime energy levels)
• Social Behavior (self-perception, social perception, and need for social connection)
• Eating Behavior (eating patterns, triggers, food selectivity, and preferences)

The following advocacy groups have agreed to include access to their educational resources within Genomind Mental Health Map: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA), Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and the American Lung Association (ALA).

“Our mission as a leading mental health company is to empower people to improve their mental health and wellness with genetics-based insights. This requires an evolution in mental health care that is driven by innovative precision technologies,” said Shawn Patrick O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer at Genomind. “We created Mental Health Map to translate complex science into relatable knowledge. This tool provides a roadmap of actionable information that helps individuals gain better control over their unique mental health and wellness needs.”

Results are based on an analysis of the relationship between traits and genetic mechanisms, which can impact behavioral predispositions. For example, within the ‘Focus and Memory Capability,’ the test examines the expression of genes CACNA1C and ANK3, which influence levels of brain cell signaling. This signaling impacts an individual’s ability to focus. Certain genetic variants can lead to excessive or altered activity, which may be associated with a predisposition toward inattentiveness and distractibility. If the test finds that an individual has these predispositions, it provides information on influencing brain cell signaling, such as dietary changes and supplements, as well as access to educational materials from CHADD. However, this lifestyle test is limited to mental wellness uses, and does not provide diagnostic or risk assessment information for any mental health diseases or disorders, such as ADHD.

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