If you're happy and you know it... thank your genes. New test reveals predisposition to happiness

PUTNEY, U.K. - Sept. 14, 2023 - PRLog -- Most people assume happiness depends on events, from falling in love to buying new shoes to seeing our favourite team win. However, the latest developments in genome testing reveal our general level of happiness may be largely down to our genes.

A leading testing expert, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: 'Happiness can be both a temporary emotional state or a stable state. Temporary happiness can arise from different life events, from getting a new car to taking a seaside walk. However, a stable state of being happy greatly depends on our satisfaction with life. How satisfied or dissatisfied we feel is influenced to a surprising degree by our genetics. Scientist call this relatively stable state of being happy "eudaimonia".

'Genetic factors can have a significant influence on our subjective well-being. New genetic tests can reveal our predisposition to "eudaimonia".

'Genetic testing can identify vital information about key genes such as Human Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CNR1). CNR1 is believed to be linked to how we process rewards, such as seeing a smiling face. That's because it's thought to play a role in the release of dopamine – a "feel good" brain chemical.

'Some variations of the CNR1 gene are now known to be particularly associated with positive emotional processing. Recent research has concluded there are marked differences in the subjective happiness level between different variants of the CNR1 gene. Carriers of one variant generally exhibited greater positive emotions when they experienced positive events and had a higher subjective happiness level.

'One of the key take-aways is that genome testing can also help people overcome health and mental issues. Recently, scientists have shown that dopamine can help with unlearning fearful associations. In a 2018 study published in Nature, researchers uncovered the role of dopamine in lessening fearful reactions over time, an important component of therapy for people with anxiety disorders.

'Of course, environmental factors interact with genetics to shape an individual's behaviour and attitudes. Genetics is only one piece of the puzzle, yet an important one.

'London Medical Laboratory's new DNA Genotype Profile Test (https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/dna-genot...) is a simple, at-home, saliva test kit. This once-in-a lifetime test gives over 300 reports, providing insights into nutrition, traits, fitness and health from our genetic blueprint. The saliva test can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/dna-genotype-test