Have you ever wondered why some members of your family lineage keep their calm under extreme pressure while others drown in a glass of water, yet possess an enviable memory and attention to detail?
The answer might not just lie in your upbringing, but also in the COMT gene—a small piece of your genetic code that acts as the conductor of your brain’s orchestra.
What is the COMT gene and what is it responsible for?
The COMT gene (Catechol-O-methyltransferase) is responsible for producing an essential enzyme that breaks down certain neurotransmitters, specifically catecholamines: dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Basically, the COMT gene’s function is to act as your brain’s cleaning crew.
- If it cleans fast, your dopamine levels drop quickly after a stressful event.
- If it cleans slowly, dopamine and adrenaline stay “floating” in your brain for longer.
This explains a lot about the COMT gene and genetic personal traits. It is not that there is something “wrong” with you; it is just that your biology has a different rhythm.
The COMT gene “mutation”: Not an error, but a variant
It is very common to hear about the COMT gene mutation. However, experts prefer to call it a “polymorphism” or variant. Does everyone have the COMT gene? Yes, we all have it, but we come in different “flavours”.
The most studied variant is Val158Met. Depending on what you inherited from your parents, you can be:
- Warrior (Val/Val): Your enzyme works fast. You “clean” stress quickly. You are great in crisis situations, but in day-to-day life, you may have less concentration or basal dopamine.
- Worrier (Met/Met): Your enzyme is slow. You accumulate more dopamine. You have an incredible memory, great focus, and creativity, but you stress easily and find it hard to “wind down”.
- Mixed: A balance between the two.
This Warrior/Worrier distinction is key to understanding the psychology of the COMT gene.
COMT gene symptoms and mental health
The way your gene is expressed directly affects how the COMT gene impacts your mood. This is where the connection between the COMT gene and mental health comes in.
- If you have slow activity (Worrier): You might experience symptoms related to an excess of neurotransmitters, such as anxiety and a tendency to ruminate on thoughts, difficulty managing daily stress, or greater sensitivity to pain.
- If you have fast activity (Warrior): Symptoms may manifest as a lack of motivation or “spark” in monotonous situations (low dopamine) or a constant search for adrenaline to feel “alive”.
Differences between men and women It is interesting to note that oestrogen slows down COMT activity. For this reason, symptoms in women can vary according to the hormonal cycle, whereas in men, they tend to be more stable.
COMT gene, sleep, and insomnia
Do you find it hard to sleep after a busy day? The relationship between the COMT gene and sleep is direct. If you are the “slow” type, adrenaline is still in your system when you hit the pillow, causing insomnia. Your brain simply doesn’t receive the “off” signal as quickly as a “Warrior’s” does.
Treatment: How to “hack” your genetics
If you are wondering how to fix the COMT gene mutation, the answer is: you don’t “fix” it because it isn’t broken. You manage it.
- COMT Gene Diet: Focus on supporting detoxification. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they require the COMT enzyme to be processed. Magnesium-rich foods are your allies.
- Supplements: Magnesium and B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) are essential cofactors.
- Lifestyle: If you are a “Worrier”, choose relaxing exercise (yoga, walking). If you are a “Warrior”, opt for intense exercise (HIIT) to boost healthy dopamine levels.
The only way to know for sure is to take a COMT gene test. The tellmeGen DNA test analyses this gene so you can stop guessing and start understanding your family lineage. Because your genetics is not a sentence; it is information to live better.