Back when I was a mere first year biology student, the first thing we were taught was this:
DNA makes RNA makes Protein.
This is the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, and it describes the intricate and beautiful process by which genes influence living things. The whole thing really is remarkable.
Unfortunately, some people in psychiatry seem to have forgotten this. Reading some of the literature, you would think that:
DNA makes DSM Diagnoses
Or if you're feeling especially adventurous and concious of the fact that diagnoses are not necessarily real entities
DNA makes Symptoms (which add up to make DSM Diagnoses)
In fact, DNA has nothing to do with symptoms either, not directly. DNA makes proteins. Proteins interact with each other, and with all kinds of hormones and other signalling molecules, to control the growth and function of cells. Cells don't get symptoms. People get symptoms - and people ...
