Keywords
Psychotherapy
Epigenetic
How to Cite
Abstract
Epigenetics encompasses reversible changes that occur in chromatin and DNA without affecting their primary sequence. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are the best-known mechanisms through which the organism's biological determination processes are updated and expressed throughout its development. Epigenetic changes in response to certain environmental exposures, such as stress and life events, especially in the early stages of life, can be associated with adverse health conditions, especially mental disorders. The aim of this study was to present a narrative review of the literature on recent advances in understanding the influence of epigenetics on mental disorders and psychotherapy. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Lilacs, and Scielo databases. Epigenetic modifications have been identified as mediating mechanisms in several studies involving major depressive disorder and various other mental disorders. Such modifications interact with the individual's genetic predisposition and can contribute to abnormal neuroendocrine responses, impaired neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, and glial dysfunction. Tests that measure epigenetic modifications such as the DNA methylation rate have been developed as an indicator of epigenetic biological age and may be useful as an indicator of vulnerability and also to assess the reversibility of such modifications as a result of treatments. On the other hand, growing evidence has indicated that epigenetic modifications in animals and humans exposed to trauma and adversity may have transgenerational transmission. It has been speculated, then, that favorable epigenetic changes produced by psychotherapy could also potentially be transmitted to the next generation, opening up a new perspective in terms of prevention. This frontier of knowledge thus represents a potential source for improving therapeutic strategies and preventing mental disorders and other types of diseases.
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