Title: Mental disorders linked by genetic traits
Headings: Mental disorders linked by genetic traits
Mental disorders linked by genetic traits
Content: However, this most recent study has investigated the links in more detail, by using the same genome-wide information and large data sets. The researchers analyzed genetic variation in thousands of people with each of the five disorders, and compared the genetic codes with those of people who did not have the conditions. The researchers calculated to what extent pairs of disorders were linked to the same genetic variants. Results of the analysis showed the following overlaps in heritability between particular psychiatric disorders as a result of common genetic variation: Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – 15%
Bipolar disorder and depression – 10%
Schizophrenia and depression – 9%
Schizophrenia and autism – 3%. Overall, the researchers found that common genetic variation accounted for between 17-28% of risk of all five disorders. Naomi Wray of the University of Queensland, Australia, says: “ Since our study only looked at common gene variants, the total genetic overlap between the disorders is likely higher. Shared variants with smaller effects, rare variants, mutations, duplications, deletions, and gene-environment interactions also contribute to these illnesses.” The researchers say that these results, particularly the genetic evidence of the link between schizophrenia and depression, may have important implications for diagnostics and research.