Is HLA-DQ2 useful for stress?

HLA-DQ2 is not a direct marker for stress but a genetic risk factor for celiac disease. Untreated celiac can cause fatigue, irritability, and brain fog – symptoms often mistaken for stress. The test has high negative predictive value: if HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 are absent, celiac is very unlikely. A positive result indicates only predisposition, not disease. Diagnosis requires antibody tests and duodenal biopsy. For stress-like symptoms of unclear origin, this test can help rule out celiac as a contributing factor. However, stress is multifactorial; genes like COMT or BDNF are not covered here. Evidence for stress utility is indirect and moderate. A DNA test does not replace medical evaluation.