04/12/2025
🧬 Genetics and mental health - PART 2
THE “REWARD GENE” & MENTAL HEALTH
DRD2 / ANKK1 Explained Simply
Ever wondered why some people are more prone to addictions, ADHD, anxiety, or low mood—even when life looks “good” on the outside?
Today we are talking about 👉 DRD2 / ANKK1
What does this gene do?
This gene controls how many dopamine D2 receptors you have in the brain.
Dopamine = motivation, reward, pleasure, focus & drive.
Some people carry a variant (called Taq1A / A1) that leads to 30–40% fewer dopamine receptors
Meaning:
👉Less reward from everyday life
👉Lower motivation
👉Higher need for stimulation
What is this gene linked to?
🧠 ADHD
🧠 Depression & lack of pleasure
🧠 Anxiety
🧠Bipolar & schizophrenia
🧠Strong links to addiction (alcohol, food, gambling, drugs, scrolling)
This pattern is often called:
👉 Reward Deficiency Syndrome
Does having this gene mean you are doomed?
Absolutely not - Genetics load the gun but, environment pulls the trigger.
Gene expression is strongly influenced by:
👉Stress & trauma
👉Sleep
👉Nutrition
👉Gut health
👉Hormones
👉Inflammation
👉Substance use
This means twp people can have the same gene with very different outcomes.
How do we support dopamine naturally?
✅ Protein & tyrosine
✅ B6, iron, magnesium, vitamin C
✅ Strength training
✅ Sunlight
✅ Deep consistent sleep
✅ Cold exposure
✅ Reducing constant dopamine hits (doom scrolling, sugar, caffeine overload, alcohol)
The bottom line:
If dopamine signalling is low, the brain will seek stronger stimulation to feel normal. That does not mean that you lack willpower or are lazy; it means biology + nervous system + environment.
… These pathways are modifiable.
