Genetic cross-disorder analysis in psychiatry: from methodology to clinical utility

Br J Psychiatry. 2020 May;216(5):246-249. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2019.72.

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies have uncovered hundreds of loci associated with psychiatric disorders. Cross-disorder studies are among the prime ramifications of such research. Here, we discuss the methodology of the most widespread methods and their clinical utility with regard to diagnosis, prediction, disease aetiology and treatment in psychiatry.

Keywords: Genetics; cross-disorder; genetic correlation; genome-wide association studies (GWAS); pleiotropy.

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease* / genetics
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders* / genetics
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Psychiatry*