Interviewee: Dr. Sara Afjeh, Postdoctoral fellow, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) | Authors/Editors: Romina Garcia de leon, Janielle Richards (Blog Co-coordinators)
Can you tell us a little bit about your research?
Genes serve as the blueprint for how our bodies and minds function. My research seeks to decode this genetic blueprint to understand how psychiatric disorders manifest differently in women. The primary goals are to identify predictive genetic markers for mental disorders like bipolar disorder and related suicidality, as well as biomarkers to assess medication responses. I use machine learning to develop predictive models that can anticipate disorder progression and treatment outcomes. These advancements push us closer to personalized mental health care, where each individual’s unique combination of genetics, environmental, and societal factors are considered. By uncovering these genetic markers, we can bring greater precision to mental health care, ultimately improving outcomes for those most affected.
How did you get into this field of research?
I first became interested in genetics because it plays such a critical role in our understanding of health and disease. As I delved deeper into the field, I discovered how genetic research could transform our approach to complex conditions like mental disorders. Over time, I became particularly drawn to studying gender differences in mental health, as emerging research showed that men and women often experience mental disorders in unique ways. Unfortunately, many diagnostic tools and treatments overlook these distinctions. By focusing on the genetics of mental health in women, I hope to bridge this gap and develop more accurate diagnostic and treatment options that account for women’s specific biological and societal factors, especially during life stages where mental health can be most vulnerable.
Can you elaborate on the impact of gender differences in mental health research?
Gender differences play a crucial role in how mental health issues manifest, especially for women. Hormonal, biological, and societal factors, such as stigma, unique stressors, and trauma, all contribute to how women experience mental disorders. These influences shift throughout a woman’s life, impacting mental health in complex ways that are often overlooked. Ignoring these factors can lead to misdiagnosis or less effective treatments, underscoring the importance of research that addresses gender-specific needs in mental health care.
Are there any findings that you can share with us?
During my PhD, I identified a genetic variant associated with bipolar disorder, suicidality, and response to lithium treatment in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. When examining gender differences within this population, I discovered that this variant had a stronger effect in women than in men, which inspired me to continue my research with a specific focus on women. Additionally, I found that an ADCY variant was associated with bipolar disorder in women, which was further supported by findings from genome-wide association studies. These insights emphasize the importance of examining genetic markers in a gender-specific context, especially for complex mental health disorders.
What are your long term goals for your research?
My long-term goal is to contribute to a future where mental health care is personalized, especially for women. I aim to achieve this by integrating genetic insights into our understanding of mental disorders, which would help create diagnostic tools that identify these conditions earlier and more accurately for women. Early detection could help women avoid years of undiagnosed suffering. I also hope my research will lead to improved pharmacotherapy, addressing the unique needs of women with mental health challenges. Many medications currently have side effects that can lead to treatment discontinuation or relapse. Through my work, I aspire to support the development of treatments that are more effective, come with fewer side effects, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for women facing mental health issues.
Where to learn more about Sara’s work?
Linkedin Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-afjeh-365847b8
Publication: Predictive Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder
More publications: Google scholar