- Rare genetic variants that may increase the likelihood of neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have been found in around one in 100 people in the general population, according to a new study on over 90,000 individuals.
- The research also revealed that one-third of those with this variant had a diagnosed mental health condition.
- These findings were based on an analysis of genetic and electronic health record (EHR) data focusing on 94 genes linked to increased risk of NPD.
Neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders (NPDs) are conditions that affect brain development and can cause disabilities. They are very common in the United States, affecting more than 20% of the population.
People with neurodevelopmental disorders can have difficult behaviors and mental health issues. These disorders have complex origins, and are caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences.
Several NPDs, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and some forms of intellectual disability or developmental delay, have similar genetic causes.
These include different sequences in the DNA on certain parts of the genome, known as variants, which can occur on specific genes that have a big impact on brain function.
Research into these rare genetic variants is important for understanding all NPDs, because it helps reveal shared pathways in the brain that can be disrupted in people with these disorders. This knowledge can lead to new treatments and therapies for people with these conditions.
In this new study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the researchers were able to demonstrate a significant correlation between 94 genetic variants and the risk of developing NPDs.
Their paper lists autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder as NPDs they included in the study.
The research team examined data from a subset of 90,595 participants enrolled in the MyCode Community Health Initiative, the DNA sequencing program at Geisinger, a…
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