The interaction between genetics and the environment can explain the variability of common neuropsychiatric disorders

While certain diseases and disorders can easily be attributed to specific genetic mutations, for many diseases — especially neuropsychiatric disorders — the causes are much more complex and influenced

"We knew early on that environmental factors have a big impact on neuropsychiatric disorders, so we wanted to see how environmental factors interact with genetic factors," said

The researchers used a database containing more than 100,000 U.

According to their model, gene-environment interactions account for only a small fraction of changes in the incidence of certain mental illnesses, such as depression and substance abuse

These results suggest that not only the genetic background of the individual should be considered, but also their history of

Dr.

For example, if a patient carries a gene that puts them at increased risk of migraines in hot climates, a doctor might advise them to make sure they have air conditioning in their homes and avoid their heads

Such studies are often challenged by a lack of adequate data, especially when

The researchers also note that the environment includes more than just molecules

In future studies, the team hopes to study some of these interactions

In the long run, with enough data, the researchers believe they can even make lifestyle plans

The study, titled "Gene-environment interactions explain a large portion of the variability of common neuropsychiatric disorders," was supported by the DARPA Grand Mechanism Project (ARO contract W911NF1410333), with National Institutes of Health grants R01HL122712, 1P50MH094267 and U01HL108634-01, as well as Leeds and Kent Douteng (Liz and Kent Dauten's donation