Are You a Warrior or a Worrier ?

The Worrier Gene By Maureen Schwehr, NMD Director of Integrative Services at Sierra Tucson

Stress is ubiquitous in our society. How we respond to stress has a big impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing. Stress is almost always an initiating factor in a crisis. For years, I have suspected that some of us are genetically set up to have stress impact us more than others. With advancements in genetic testing, we are beginning to get a better understanding of how and why this happens. In 2013, The New York Times published an article about the “Worrier” gene—the gene that codes for the COMP (catechol-O-methyl transferase) enzyme. This enzyme breaks down epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain.

 

Worrier vs. Warrior

 

There are two variants of this gene. One variant is referred to as the “Worrier” gene; it breaks down catecholamines more slowly. The second variant is referred to as the “Warrior” gene; it breaks down these neurotransmitters more quickly. Those with the slow breakdown Worrier variant tend to do well in school and work, but they worry. Under low-stress situations, this variant may provide an advantage. The higher levels of catecholamines allows for better focus and memory. Individuals with this variant often score higher on IQ tests. However, when put under pressure, they do not break down these stress hormones as quickly and they can become overwhelmed. Long-term stressors have a bigger impact on the mental and physical health of these individuals.

 

The Warrior variant codes for a quicker breakdown of catecholamines. Warriors tend to do better when under pressure. Stress increases their catecholamine levels, which improves their focus, but they can quickly break these down and return to a state of low activation. They get the benefit of the stress without the catecholamines lingering to create longer-term stress. Warriors are able to let go of stressful events faster.

 

Genetic Testing & A Healthy Stress Response

 

At Sierra Tucson, our genetic testing includes an analysis of the COMT gene. This has proven to be helpful in allowing our residents to better understand why they respond the way they do to stressful events. Studies have shown that people with the Worrier variant can do better under stress with training. Knowing how an individual’s body breaks down stress neurotransmitters provides our multidisciplinary team with a framework for identifying what is happening biochemically. Furthermore, we’re able to tailor each resident’s treatment plan in order to give him or her skills needed for a healthy stress response.

 

In practice, I have noticed that individuals with the Worrier mutation often choose professions and situations that have an elevated level of stress. Increased catecholamines can be addictive. They often get by until an additional stressor pushes them over the edge. One resident came to Sierra Tucson after a relationship ended. This individual had a job that involved 10–12 hour workdays, and health problems started to ensue. Once the relationship ended, the stress of the breakup was overwhelming and alcohol consumption increased, eventually resulting in alcohol dependency. When we reviewed the genetic test results and I explained the Worrier gene to the resident, it helped the individual to see how this pattern developed.

 

When the Worrier mutation is present, it is very important that individuals maintain balance. Sierra Tucson offers many ways in which residents can find effective relaxation techniques. For this particular individual, yoga and shiatsu massage were helpful ways to decompress. We performed some basic nutritional tests and found that there was a deficiency in Vitamin D and evidence that B12 levels were low. Alcohol use also depletes other important B vitamins including B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6, B12, and Folate. The B vitamins are important co-factors needed to create our hormones and neurotransmitters. Deficiencies in B vitamins are associated with increased depression, anxiety, and fatigue. We provided nutritional support for the individual in the form of a high-quality B complex and Vitamin D3. In addition, I prescribed a concentrated lavender formula called Lavela that has been shown to decrease anxiety. It helps the body to stop overreacting to stressors and I have found it to be helpful for residents who have the COMT mutation.

 

It is very human to blame ourselves when we are overwhelmed by stress. Testing for mutations such as the COMT gene helps our residents understand how their life choices can impact their biochemistry in a way that either supports or undermines their health and happiness. By the end of treatment, the individual’s continuing care plan included herbal and vitamin support for mood, a daily routine that would incorporate yoga, and a goal to find a job with less demands and hours.

 

To read The New York Times article on the Worrier gene, click here.

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Additional articles:

 

Warriors versus worriers: the role of COMT gene variants

 

Are You a Worrier or a Warrior?

 

Warrior or Worrier - Google search results

 

 

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I do not endorse any treatment plan that might be mentioned in these articles. Although I strongly suspect I'm more a worrier than a warrior, I have not been tested or treated - except for the benzos, of course. But I think the genetic science is very interesting - especially for people like us.

 

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Muchas gracias, señor. And here's one for you:

 

 

 

Muchas gracias, señor. And here's one for you:

 

 

No hay problema amigo. I'll return your favor by posting one more for you called Mañana performed by Peggy Lee. Incidentally, Mañana is the name of the sailboat a brother of mine purchased when he retired. He lived on it for years as he sailed around the Caribbean and more or less settled down in Guatemala before finally returning to TX. On his way from Guatemala to TX, he was caught up in a hurricane which nearly caused him to lose his boat & his life. After battling the storm for hours and with his sails badly damaged, he just went below deck, stretched out in his V-berth & told himself that Mañana would either carry him through or he would go down with her. 

 

 

Hi Redevan,

 

have you had all of the genetic tests that are possible? I am wondering wether I could do that or not. I already did some specific tests and the knowledge coming with the results have helped me so much. May I ask, if you have done such tests, which company did you chose to do them?

 

Thank you very much!

 

And regarding the article.. very true. And it does not need the "pure" mutation, the same stuff already happens with a slow or fast COMT, but then, of course you can do a lot with diet and so on.

 

 

... a friend of mine told another friend of mine lately: We can all travel together but as you know Marigold will carry a hole suitcase full of supplements and food around so maybe we should take the bigger car.

 

Yep. Thats me.

Hi Redevan,

 

have you had all of the genetic tests that are possible? I am wondering wether I could do that or not. I already did some specific tests and the knowledge coming with the results have helped me so much. May I ask, if you have done such tests, which company did you chose to do them?

 

Actually, I haven't had any tests done, so I don't know for sure whether I have the worrier gene or the warrior gene. Or it could be neither. I'm not saying this science is certain, but it's interesting, and I do seem to fit the profile for the worrier gene - although, thanks to the benzos, I worry more now than I used to do. So like you say, it's not just about the genes, but also what you do with them. It's not just the cards you're dealt, but also how you play them.

I'll return your favor by posting one more for you called Mañana performed by Peggy Lee. Incidentally, Mañana is the name of the sailboat a brother of mine purchased when he retired. He lived on it for years as he sailed around the Caribbean and more or less settled down in Guatemala before finally returning to TX. On his way from Guatemala to TX, he was caught up in a hurricane which nearly caused him to lose his boat & his life. After battling the storm for hours and with his sails badly damaged, he just went below deck, stretched out in his V-berth & told himself that Mañana would either carry him through or he would go down with her. 

 

 

Ah yes, Miss Peggy Lee, the incarnation of coolness. I'd bet she had the warrior gene.

Hi Redevan,

 

have you had all of the genetic tests that are possible? I am wondering wether I could do that or not. I already did some specific tests and the knowledge coming with the results have helped me so much. May I ask, if you have done such tests, which company did you chose to do them?

 

Actually, I haven't had any tests done, so I don't know for sure whether I have the worrier gene or the warrior gene. Or it could be neither. I'm not saying this science is certain, but it's interesting, and I do seem to fit the profile for the worrier gene - although, thanks to the benzos, I worry more now than I used to do. So like you say, it's not just about the genes, but also what you do with them. It's not just the cards you're dealt, but also how you play them.

 

Nature is clever. Creating some humans with different genetic strengths and weaknesses increases the chance that some might survive.:-)

Redevan,

The title of your thread made me think of a movie (fairly recent) about a true story of Israeli spies who set about hunting some enemies they had been at war with.

 

When they were brought together, each was introduced by their specialty or background training. "Surveillance. Tracking. Combatives. Finance." and the like. The old guy hadn't been introduced, and one of the young characters asked him, "What's your Job?"

 

"My Job is to worry."

 

It takes all kinds.

@[Sh...] - Long hours, low pay, no thanks - I've had that job long enough. I'm ready for my promotion.