Above genes: epigenetics and psychiatry

Abstract

Epigenetics could provide some insights into the risk of developing psychiatric disease and uncover a potential therapeutic target if researchers can discover enough about the role of this intriguing biological mechanism. Mark Greener reports.

Demystifying genetic jargon in psychiatry

“…Unlike in some monogenic disorders, an individual does not directly inherit a polygenic disorder: they are at risk of developing it and the degree of risk is dependent on the particular mix of variants in their DNA. To further complicate matters, polygenic disorders (and single-gene disorders too) are modulated by environmental effects such as age, gender, diet, season, time of day, drug and medication use, and exposure to a wide variety of environmental stimuli that can modify the expression of genes: a phenomenon known as ‘epigenetics’ (Kular 2018; Greener 2019).…”

The exposome: embrace the complexity

“…Epigenetic modulation adds another layer of complexity. 11 Capturing the data to explore the exposome is difficult and will need to encompass a variety of techniques, including biomarkers, using portable computers and the ubiquitous smart phone to record, diet, stress, physical activity, social interactions, circadian rhythms and location in real time. 5,12 But such 'big data' approaches seem possible.…”

Premorbid personality and cognitive function impact on schizophrenia

“…The mechanism through which schizophrenia develops is still unclear. There is evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition in the development of schizophrenia 3,4,5 . The importance of premorbid personality, performance and functioning in schizophrenia is well described in the literature 6,7,8,9 …”

“…There is evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition in the development of schizophrenia. 3,4,5 The importance of premorbid personality, performance and functioning in schizophrenia is well described in the literature. 6,7,8,9 Individuals with schizophrenia can experience family and social adjustment difficulties as well as significant barriers to independent living.…”