Maria has a predisposing factor to depression and anxiety. she is concerned that her newborn child may develop these disorders. a developmental psychologist informs her that

Genetic predisposition to depression and anxiety is only a small part of the equation to determine if her child would possibly develop such symptoms. There is a plurality of genes involved, rather than one single genetic component to any disorder. Some of the genetic code Maria passes to her child may be latent. Environmental and developmental factors may, or may not activate certain genes. (See "epigenetics") Exposure to toxins in utero, parenting style, adverse life events, and many other factors will determine if Maria's newborn will develop any type of psychological symptoms later in life. The risk of Maria's child developing a depression or anxiety type disorder is not much higher than the average newborn when solely considering the genetic predisposition component.