Warriors or scientists: how genes and stress resistance are connected

Genetic tests can tell us what we are at risk of getting sick, what lifestyle suits us best, what sport will help us get in shape faster. What about temperament and character traits?

Researchers at the Genotek Medical Genetics Center studied the results of DNA tests of 2500 of their clients and found in 76% of them a gene variant that increases resistance to stress. The remaining 24% had a variant of the same gene with a mutation that is associated with low stress resistance.

What conclusions follow from this and what to do with the results?

Psychologies: 24% – not so little, almost one in four. How does this feature affect people’s lives?

Valery Ilyinsky: The COMT gene we are talking about is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain. Specifically, it regulates the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine with the help of a certain enzyme. So, in some people a mutation was found that reduces the activity of this enzyme by 40%. This means that their brain reacts more sharply to negative stimuli: such people feel more subtle, shy, avoid danger and uncertainty, do not go into conflict.

That is, this is a kind of “breakdown” that interferes with life?

I wouldn’t say so. It’s just that it’s harder for them to maintain their composure in crisis situations. But in peacetime they have an advantage in learning and social adaptation.

More specifically?

They have better memory and higher learning ability. In general, according to the variants of the COMT gene, people are divided into two types: conditional “warriors”, who are less trained, but less anxious and better endure pain, and “scientists”, who cope worse with stress, but think well in a calm environment, show ingenuity.

Natural division of labor?

It is possible to say so. Negative mutations that are not conducive to survival simply do not pass on. Scientists suggest that the mutation in the COMT gene, which reduces stress resistance, is also fixed not by chance. Perhaps it provides an advantage in adapting to today’s difficult conditions, where success depends more on memory and concentration than on the ability to overcome pain and ignore dangers.

Still, coping with stress is important. Take a look at the requirements for a candidate for any vacancy – you will definitely stumble upon the notorious stress tolerance.

This is true, but it is important to remember that genetic “scientists” are more likely to suffer a nervous breakdown at work if they have to constantly be under pressure, act quickly and decisively, and negotiate tough. But it is easier for them to learn new things, it is easier to feel the mood of clients and colleagues, to offer a constructive solution to the conflict.

Let’s say I have found a certain variant of the gene. what follows from this? If I am a “scientist”, am I denied access to air traffic controllers?

An air traffic controller can be a person with any variant of the COMT gene. It’s just that “warriors” need to pay attention to the development of memory, and “scientists” – to increase tolerance to stress. Therefore, career guidance by genes in its pure form is impossible: in addition to them, a person is influenced by upbringing, daily routine, nutrition, lifestyle, and previous experience. Man in general is a flexible creature – he is able to adapt both to the conditions of the external environment and to the peculiarities of the work of his own brain.

Is it then worth knowing about your genetically programmed reaction to stress? Maybe this will only limit people: they will refuse serious challenges, avoid stress.

We have a Talents and Sports DNA test that parents often order for their children. And here we are studying, among other things, the COMT gene. It is best to compensate for the peculiarities of COMT in childhood. On their own or with the help of a psychologist, teach the child to successfully cope with negative situations, understand and anticipate their reactions, and use techniques to relieve stress.

According to customer reviews, this knowledge is also useful for adults. Someone decides to finally leave an unloved job, making sure that stress is “genetically contraindicated” for him. Someone, on the contrary, for the first time really pays attention to this problem, learns stress management techniques and, as a result, significantly improves the quality of life and performance. In any case, people become happier as they become more aware of their reactions.

To what extent does genetics affect psychological stability compared to upbringing, culture, environment?

There are about 20 thousand genes in the human genome, and the psyche consists of dozens of different aspects and traits. Therefore, they usually compare a specific, measurable parameter – for example, the tendency to play leadership roles at work, formal and informal. According to 2006 data, this trait is 30% genetically determined. For the role of genes in stress resistance, quantitative estimates have not yet been obtained: in addition to COMT, other genes also contribute, and the interaction between them is still being studied.