The contribution of gene-environment interaction to psychopathology.
The study of gene-environment interaction (G x E) constitutes an area of significant social and clinical significance. Different types of research study designs are being used to investigate the contribution of G x E to psychopathology, although the term G x E has also been used and interpreted in different ways. Despite mixed evidence that G x E contributes to psychopathology, some promising and consistent findings are emerging. Evidence is reviewed in relation to depression, antisocial behavior, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Although findings from various research designs have different meaning, interestingly much of the evidence with regard to the contribution of G x E that has arisen from twin and adoption studies has been for antisocial behavior and depression. It is for these same forms of psychopathology that molecular genetic evidence of G x E has also been most convincing. Finally, current and anticipated methodological challenges and implications for future research in this area are considered.
Thapar
Anita
A
Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK. Thapar@cf.ac.uk
Harold
Gordon
G
Rice
Frances
F
Langley
Kate
K
O'donovan
Michael
M
D000300:Adoption / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012931:Social Environment; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic