The role of genetics in the development of mental disorders has been a topic of interest in the field of psychiatry for many years. It is widely recognized that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. However, the specific genetic mechanisms involved in the development of these disorders are not fully understood.

What I learned:
Research has shown that genetic factors contribute to the development of mental disorders. For example, studies have found that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder themselves compared to those without a family history. Similarly, studies have found that individuals with a family history of depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to develop these disorders themselves.

What I know:
There is a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of mental disorders. While genetic factors may increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing a mental disorder, environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and substance abuse can also play a significant role in triggering the onset of the disorder.

What I want to learn:
I would like to further explore the specific genetic mechanisms involved in the development of mental disorders. Additionally, I am interested in learning more about the potential for genetic testing and personalized treatment approaches for individuals with mental disorders based on their genetic profiles.

One peer-reviewed source on this topic is a review article by Owen and O’Donovan (2017) titled “Schizophrenia and the neurodevelopmental continuum: evidence from genomics.” The article provides an overview of the genetic factors involved in the development of schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of neurodevelopmental processes in the etiology of the disorder. The authors discuss the role of rare and common genetic variants in schizophrenia, as well as the potential for genetic testing and personalized treatment approaches based on an individual’s genetic profile. The article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the current state of research on the genetics of schizophrenia, and offers insights into future directions for research in this area.

Reference:
Owen, M. J., & O’Donovan, M. C. (2017). Schizophrenia and the neurodevelopmental continuum: evidence from genomics. World Psychiatry, 16(3), 227-235. doi: 10.1002/wps.20443