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Gene-Environment Interactions in Psychiatry: Recent Evidence and Clinical Implications

  • Genetic Disorders (F Goes, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We identify the recent evidence for gene-by-environment interaction studies in relation to psychiatric disorders. We focus on the key genotypic data as well as environmental exposures and how they interact to predict psychiatric disorders and psychiatric symptomatology. We direct our focus on the psychiatric outcomes that were focused on by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium.

Recent Findings

Many of the studies focus on candidate gene approaches, with most of the studies drawing upon previous literature to decide the genes of interest. Other studies used a genome-wide approach. While some studies demonstrated positive replication of previous findings, replication is still an issue within gene-by-environment interaction studies.

Summary

Gene-by-environment interaction research in psychiatry globally suggests some susceptibility to environmental exposures based on genotype; however, greater clarity is needed around the idea that genetic risk may not be disorder specific.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Rashelle J. Musci, Jura L. Augustinavicius & Heather Volk

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Musci, R.J., Augustinavicius, J.L. & Volk, H. Gene-Environment Interactions in Psychiatry: Recent Evidence and Clinical Implications. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 81 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1065-5

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