Stress in Your DNA: How MTHFR, COMT & BDNF Shape Mental Health Through Epigenetics
Tracks
Ballroom 1 - Virtual via OnAIR
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 11:35 AM - 12:05 PM |
Overview
Chris Barnes, Chris Barnes Wellness
Details
1. Genetic variants in MTHFR, COMT, and BDNF significantly influence stress response, neurotransmitter regulation, and mental health resilience—affecting approximately 25-50% of clients with anxiety, depression, and burnout.
2. Epigenetic modifications, demonstrated through research on high-stress populations like military police, show that chronic stress silences critical mental health genes like BDNF, but targeted lifestyle interventions can reverse these changes.
3. Personalised genetic insights enable practitioners to move beyond one-size-fits-all mental health treatment, offering clients evidence-based, actionable strategies tailored to their unique biological blueprint for sustainable mental wellness.
Presenter
Mr Chris Barnes
Founder/ Ceo
Chris Barnes Wellness
Stress in Your DNA: How MTHFR, COMT & BDNF Shape Mental Health Through Epigenetics
Biography
Chris Barnes is a Genetic Health Strategist and Certified Epigenetic Performance Coach who specialises in the intersection of genetics, epigenetics, and mental health. After analysing hundreds of DNA reports, he identified patterns linking specific genes to stress resilience and mental health challenges. A recent keynote speaker at Wellspring Biohacking Conference and featured in Men's Health Magazine, Chris translates complex genetic science into actionable strategies that empower individuals to optimize their mental health through lifestyle interventions. His work focuses on the "Big Three" stress genes—MTHFR, COMT, and BDNF—demonstrating how epigenetic modifications give people control over their genetic expression and stress response.
