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

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2019 Aug 13;21(9):81. doi: 10.1007/s11920-019-1065-5.

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. 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.

Keywords: Anxiety disorder; Bipolar disorder; Candidate genes; Genome-wide association; Major depressive disorder; Suicide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene-Environment Interaction*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / etiology*
  • Mental Disorders / genetics*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Psychiatry*