Meta-analysis of gene-environment interactions in developmental psychopathology

Dev Psychopathol. 2007 Fall;19(4):1029-37. doi: 10.1017/S095457940700051X.

Abstract

As studies of measured gene-environment interactions (G x E) in developmental psychopathology gain momentum, methods for systematically and quantitatively summarizing effects across multiple studies are urgently needed. Meta-analyses of G x E findings are critical for evaluating the overall statistical and theoretical significance of any given G x E based on cumulative and systematically combined knowledge. Although meta-analytic methods for the combination of study findings based on single effect measures such as odds ratios and mean differences are well established, equivalent methods for the meta-analysis of studies investigating interactions are not well developed. This article describes one simple approach to the meta-analysis of G x E effects using, as a contemporaneous example, the interaction of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene and the impact of childhood maltreatment on risk for developing antisocial behavior.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / genetics
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Conduct Disorder / genetics
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology
  • Crime / psychology
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics*
  • Developmental Disabilities / psychology*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / psychology
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mental Disorders / genetics*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic*
  • Monoamine Oxidase / genetics
  • Odds Ratio
  • Social Environment*

Substances

  • Monoamine Oxidase