Epigenetics, DNA, and Changing Genetic Risk
How DNA and the Environment Work to Determine Behavior
Clinical Expert: Barry Kosofsky, MD, PhD
Dr. Barry Kosofsky of Weill Cornell Medical College and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital talks about the new “buzzword” in behavioral health and genomics: epigenetics. The basic idea is that the way our DNA is expressed isn’t fixed; it can change based on a variety of factors, including our environment and experiences. And that means that genetic risks (for addiction, depression, etc.) aren’t fixed, either. With therapy or medication, we can control them.
Learn more about our Family Resource Center and our editorial mission.
Was this article helpful?
Related Reading
-
Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling
How to help kids feel positive about the new baby and avoid problem behaviors
-
Teen Suicides: What Are the Risk Factors?
Temperament, family and community all play a role
-
Do ADHD Meds Lead to Addiction?
Research shows no link to higher, or lower, risk of substance abuse
-
Advice for Moving With Children
How to make a stressful time easier
-
Mental Health Challenges of LGBTQ+ Kids
A look at risk factors and protective factors
-
Complete Guide to Substance Use + Mental Health
When children are struggling with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder,…
-
Tips for Helping Special Needs Kids Change Schools
How to ease anxiety-provoking transitions
-
Vaccines and Autism: A Clinical Perspective
Extensive evidence reveals no credible link between vaccines and autism. Clinical experts explain our current…