MANILA, Philippines—According to science, our genes have a huge influence on our behavior, such as our sleep patterns, food cravings, and ability to focus. For the LifeScience Center, they have launched the first-ever Genomind Mental Health Map Test to better understand how our unique genetic profile affects our behavior.

To better understand ourselves and our behavior better especially during challenging times like the pandemic, LifeScience Center, the country’s premiere health and wellness center, launched the Genomind Mental Health Map. It was made available in the Philippines last February 2022.

Image courtesy of LifeScience Center

How our genes affect our actions

The first of its kind in the country, the Genomind Mental Health Map analyzes up to 38 expertly curated genetic variants that impact our 29 mental health traits. It then provides in-depth interactive reports on how our genes influence the seven Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities.

These seven are: mood (irritability, ability to take criticism, etc), eating behavior (late night snacking, sweets cravings, etc.), social behavior (preferring to be alone or with people, etc.), stress and anxiety (resilience, lingering guilt etc), focus and memory (brain fog, impulsivity, etc), sleep (night owl behavior, snoring, etc), and habits and substance use (easily intoxicated, nicotine addiction, etc).

Mental health should be a priority

“We believe in the balance of things. There are several factors that contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing–genetics, their environment, experiences and lifestyle–which all combine to make mental health a personal and unique journey for every individual,” said Leslie Carlos, one of LifeScience Center’s psychotherapists.

Image courtesy of LifeScience Center

“Genetics is the aspect that we have no control over, while the rest are modifiable and we can change based on our actions and habits. We offer products like the Genomind Mental Health Map so Filipinos can understand the different aspects that contribute to their mental health. It is a more proactive way of caring for it.”

Who can take the test?

The test can be taken by anyone. It can be for those who have had previous mental health conditions or for those who don’t have any history, but want to understand themselves better. It is also for anyone who wants personalized and evidence-based recommendations at any point of their health journey.

Patients should note that the test doesn’t inform them or the practitioner about medication they should take. It is also not intended to help diagnose or treat any disease or other medical condition, nor to provide a genetic health risk assessment. Since this is a genetic test that does not change and should be taken only once, your results are the same whether you took this early or plate in life making it an investment you can make for your health.

Patients who take the Genomind Mental Health Map will get a genetic interpretation which is a 30-minute consultation with an expert who will explain the reports, and give actionable insights and recommendations. They will also get a consultation of their choice (Psychotherapist: LifeScience Mind+ Talk Therapy, Functional Medicine Doctor: LifeScience Health Check, or Nutritionist-Dietitian: LifeScience Nutrition Consult).

Actions based on understanding

NBA player, Kevin Love, shared how satisfied he was with the test. “When I received my Mental Health Map results and reviewed them with a Genomind expert advisor, the first thing I noticed was the accuracy. It’s given me satisfaction knowing that I’ve been doing the right things for myself these past few years, but also provides an action plan to work on areas that need more attention.”

Image courtesy of LifeScience Center

Interested in availing of the Genomind Mental Health Map? Contact LifeScience Center at  (+63) 917 536 5784 or send an email at ask@lifescience.ph.