scholarly journals Genetic correlates of socio-economic status influence the pattern of shared heritability across mental health traits

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andries T. Marees ◽  
Dirk J.A. Smit ◽  
Abdel Abdellaoui ◽  
Michel G. Nivard ◽  
Wim van den Brink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Socio Economic Status

AbstractEpidemiological studies show high comorbidity between different mental health problems, indicating that individuals with a diagnosis of one disorder are more likely to develop other mental health problems. Genetic studies reveal substantial sharing of genetic risk factors across mental health traits. However, mental health is genetically correlated with socio-economic status (SES) and it is therefore important to investigate and disentangle the genetic relationship between mental health and SES. We used summary statistics from large genome-wide association studies (average N∼160,000) to estimate the genetic overlap across nine psychiatric disorders and seven substance use traits and explored the genetic influence of three different indicators of SES. Using Genomic SEM, we show significant changes in patterns of genetic correlations after partialling out SES-associated genetic variation. Our approach allows the separation of disease-specific genetic variation and genetic variation shared with SES, thereby improving our understanding of the genetic architecture of mental health.

scholarly journals Changing perspectives: Towards detailed phenotyping in genetics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mats Nagel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Complex Traits ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
The Way

Mental health problems are highly prevalent in modern-day society. Despite several decades of intensive research aimed at identifying the underlying biological mechanisms, and potential drug targets, pharmacological treatments still have limited success. Since all traits are at least partially influenced by our genetic makeup, using genetic information to increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying mental health problems might eventually benefit patients. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide an exploratory way to identify genetic variants throughout the genome that are, statistically, associated to a trait of interest. The explosion of GWAS studies since 2005 (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/gwas/diagram) has drastically increased our knowledge of the biology of diseases and identified thousands of variants involved in a wide variety of (disease) traits.Yet for many complex traits, like psychiatric disorders, the identified genetic variants explain only a fraction of the variance in the trait. We argue that this may, in part, be the result of the way in which neuropsychiatric traits are operationalized in genetic studies. Typically, participants are classified as cases (i.e., people that suffer from a given psychiatric disorder) or as controls (i.e., not suffering from that particular disorder). However, people suffering from the same disorder may exhibit different sets of symptoms that may, in turn, be influenced by different genetic variants. In other words, the manner in which phenotypes are operationalized will have consequences for the success of genetic analyses. Therefore, in order to properly study the genetic basis of complex behavior, it is vital to think about the exact nature of the phenotypes used in the analysis, and the way they are operationalized. This thesis uses large-scale genetic data and state-of-the-art methods to study the merits of more detailed phenotyping in uncovering the genetics of complex neuropsychiatric traits.

scholarly journals Measuring child exposure to violence and mental health reactions in epidemiological studies: challenges and current issues

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 487-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane Seixas Duarte ◽  
Isabel Altenfelder Santos Bordin ◽  
Genevieve Rachel Green ◽  
Christina W. Hoven
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Exposure To Violence ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Traumatic Grief ◽  
Child Exposure ◽  
Grief In Children

This paper examines challenges and current issues involved in measuring exposure to different types of violence which are associated mental health problems in children and adolescents. Standardized measures suitable for epidemiological studies, selected based on their relevance in the current literature, are briefly described and commented. The assessment of child's exposure to violence may focus on a specific event (e.g., kidnapping), a specific context (e.g., war) or even of a certain type of exposure (e.g., intrafamilial physical violence). The assessment of child mental health after exposure to violence has traditionally focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - most frequently measured through non-diagnostic scales. However, other mental health reactions may be present and screening as well as diagnostic instruments which may be used to assess these reactions are also described. Two issues of emerging importance - the assessment of impairment and of traumatic grief in children - are also presented. Availability of culturally appropriate instruments is a crucial step towards proper identification of child mental health problems after exposure to violence.

A systematic analysis of genetically regulated differences in gene expression and the role of co-expression networks across 16 psychiatric disorders and substance use phenotypes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary F Gerring ◽  
Jackson G Thorp ◽  
Eric R Gamazon ◽  
Eske M Derks
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies

ABSTRACTGenome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified thousands of risk loci for many psychiatric and substance use phenotypes, however the biological consequences of these loci remain largely unknown. We performed a transcriptome-wide association study of 10 psychiatric disorders and 6 substance use phenotypes (collectively termed “mental health phenotypes”) using expression quantitative trait loci data from 532 prefrontal cortex samples. We estimated the correlation due to predicted genetically regulated expression between pairs of mental health phenotypes, and compared the results with the genetic correlations. We identified 1,645 genes with at least one significant trait association, comprising 2,176 significant associations across the 16 mental health phenotypes of which 572 (26%) are novel. Overall, the transcriptomic correlations for phenotype pairs were significantly higher than the respective genetic correlations. For example, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, both childhood developmental disorders, showed a much higher transcriptomic correlation (r=0.84) than genetic correlation (r=0.35). Finally, we tested the enrichment of phenotype-associated genes in gene co-expression networks built from prefrontal cortex. Phenotype-associated genes were enriched in multiple gene co-expression modules and the implicated modules contained genes involved in mRNA splicing and glutamatergic receptors, among others. Together, our results highlight the utility of gene expression data in the understanding of functional gene mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and substance use phenotypes.

scholarly journals Evening-types show highest increase of sleep and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic – Multinational study on 19,267 adults

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Merikanto ◽  
Laura Kortesoja ◽  
Christian Benedict ◽  
Frances Chung ◽  
Jonathan Cedernaes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Relative Number ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Circadian Type

Abstract Study Objectives Individual circadian type is a ubiquitous trait defining sleep, with eveningness often associated with poorer sleep and mental health than morningness. However, it is unknown whether COVID-19 pandemic has differentially affected sleep and mental health depending on the circadian type. Here, the differences in sleep and mental health between circadian types are examined globally before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The sample collected between May and August 2020 across 12 countries/regions consisted of 19,267 adults with information on their circadian type. Statistical analyses were performed by using Complex Sample procedures, stratified by country and weighted by the number of inhabitants in the country/area of interest and by the relative number of responders in that country/area. Results Evening-types had poorer mental health, well-being, and quality of life or health than other circadian types during the pandemic. Sleep-wake schedules were delayed especially on working days, and evening-types reported an increase in sleep duration. Sleep problems increased in all circadian types, but especially among evening-types, moderated by financial suffering and confinement. Intermediate-types were less vulnerable to sleep changes, although morningness protected from most sleep problems. These findings were confirmed after adjusting for age, sex, duration of the confinement or socio-economic status during the pandemic. Conclusions These findings indicate an alarming increase in sleep and mental health problems, especially among evening-types as compared to other circadian types during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of mental health problems in COVID-19: a review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Samia Tasnim ◽  
Abida Sultana ◽  
Farah Faizah ◽  
Hoimonty Mazumder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Somatization Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic affecting health and wellbeing globally. In addition to the physical health, economic, and social implications, the psychological impacts of this pandemic are increasingly being reported in the scientific literature. This narrative review reflected on scholarly articles on the epidemiology of mental health problems in COVID-19. The current literature suggests that people affected by COVID-19 may have a high burden of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, stress, panic attack, irrational anger, impulsivity, somatization disorder, sleep disorders, emotional disturbance, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and suicidal behavior. Moreover, several factors associated with mental health problems in COVID-19 are found, which include age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, income, place of living, close contact with people with COVID-19, comorbid physical and mental health problems, exposure to COVID-19 related news and social media, coping styles, stigma, psychosocial support, health communication, confidence in health services, personal protective measures, risk of contracting COVID-19, and perceived likelihood of survival. Furthermore, the epidemiological distribution of mental health problems and associated factors were heterogeneous among the general public, COVID-19 patients, and healthcare providers. The current evidence suggests that a psychiatric epidemic is cooccurring with the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitates the attention of the global health community. Future epidemiological studies should emphasize on psychopathological variations and temporality of mental health problems in different populations. Nonetheless, multipronged interventions should be developed and adopted to address the existing psychosocial challenges and promote mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health Issues in Institutionalized Adolescent Orphans

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aijaz Ahmed Bhat ◽  
Dr. Sadaqat Rahman ◽  
Nasir Mohammad Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Dependence ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Separation Anxiety ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Separation Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Mental Health Issues

The aim of the study was to determine the nature and extend of Mental Health issues in institutionalized adolescent orphans of District Kupwara. A case study of orphans aged 11 to 17 years from 04 orphanages in Kupwara. A structured and internationally standardized interview schedule MINI Kid (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Kids) was used for data collection and socio-demographic sheet was also used for additional information. Kapuswaour’s scale was used to see the Socio-economic status of kids. Data were cleaned and analyzed by SPSS version 16.00 windows. Eleven participants (13.75%) met DSM 1V criteria for MDE, 6.5% reported suicidal tendencies, 11.25% showed dysthymic symptoms, 10% panic disorder, 20% agoraphobia, 7.5% separation anxiety disorder, 16.25% social phobia, 15% specific phobia, 6.25% PTSD symptoms, 1.25% substance dependence (Non-alcoholic), 3.75% ADHD, 1.25% conduct disorder, 3.75% ODD, 8.75% GAD and nineteen participants i.e. 23.75% showed co-morbid conditions. Orphan-hood brings a host of various mental health vulnerabilities. A cultural recognition of Mental Health problems and the long term negative consequences of these issues need to be developed and interventions to address these vulnerabilities and risks for mental health problems among institutionalized orphans.

Women and migration

2021 ◽  
pp. 403-412
Author(s):  
Vandita Shanbhag ◽  
Madhura Bojappa ◽  
Prabha S. Chandra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
And Migration

Migration affects women and men differently. A discrepancy between gender roles and expectations influence the challenges and coping in immigrants. In this chapter, the importance of understanding migration in a gender-sensitive manner is discussed. Women are likely to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders due to risk factors such as unfavourable socio-economic status, stigma, role burden, and adversities faced during migration. The chapter highlights the protective and risk factors for developing mental health problems in women migrants. Mental health problems in various migrants, such as international, internal, asylum seekers, and vulnerable groups of women such as women in the perinatal period, adolescents and young girls, and elderly women, are discussed. The need to initiate preventive measures before the process of migration and in addition to early detection and intervention for mental health problems by sensitive healthcare providers is emphasized.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of mental health problems in COVID-19: a review

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Samia Tasnim ◽  
Abida Sultana ◽  
Farah Faizah ◽  
Hoimonty Mazumder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Somatization Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic affecting health and wellbeing globally. In addition to the physical health, economic, and social implications, the psychological impacts of this pandemic are increasingly being reported in the scientific literature. This narrative review reflected on scholarly articles on the epidemiology of mental health problems in COVID-19. The current literature suggests that people affected by COVID-19 may have a high burden of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, stress, panic attack, irrational anger, impulsivity, somatization disorder, sleep disorders, emotional disturbance, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and suicidal behavior. Moreover, several factors associated with mental health problems in COVID-19 are found, which include age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, income, place of living, close contact with people with COVID-19, comorbid physical and mental health problems, exposure to COVID-19 related news and social media, coping styles, stigma, psychosocial support, health communication, confidence in health services, personal protective measures, risk of contracting COVID-19, and perceived likelihood of survival. Furthermore, the epidemiological distribution of mental health problems and associated factors were heterogeneous among the general public, COVID-19 patients, and healthcare providers. The current evidence suggests that a psychiatric epidemic is cooccurring with the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitates the attention of the global health community. Future epidemiological studies should emphasize on psychopathological variations and temporality of mental health problems in different populations. Nonetheless, multipronged interventions should be developed and adopted to address the existing psychosocial challenges and promote mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Genetics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Kan ◽  
Ma-Li Wong
Keyword(s):  
Complex Traits ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Small Magnitude ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Genetic Overlap

An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression has been reported in epidemiological studies. Finding a genetic overlap between T2DM and depression will provide evidence to support a common biological pathway to both disorders. Genetic correlations observed from twin studies indicate that a small magnitude of the variance in liability can be attributed to genetic factors. However, no genetic overlap has been observed between T2DM and depression in genome-wide association studies using both the polygenic score and the linkage disequilibrium score regression approaches. Clarifying the shared heritability between these two complex traits is an important next step towards better therapy and treatment. Another area that needs to be explored is gene–environment interaction, since genotypes can affect an individual’s responses to the environment and environment can differentially affect genotypes expression.

scholarly journals Regional differences in reported Covid-19 cases show genetic correlations with higher socio-economic status and better health, potentially confounding studies on the genetics of disease susceptibility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdel Abdellaoui
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Association Studies ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
Genome Wide

AbstractBackgroundIn March 2020, England showed a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases. Susceptibility for infectious diseases like Covid-19 is likely to be partly genetic. Mapping the genetic susceptibility for Covid-19 outcomes may reveal biological mechanisms that could potentially aid in drug or vaccine developments. However, as the disease spreads unevenly across the country, regional allele frequency differences could become spuriously associated with disease prevalence.MethodsA regional genome-wide association study (RGWAS) was conducted in 396,042 individuals from England to investigate the association between 1.2 million genetic variants and regional differences in daily reported Covid-19 cases from March 1st to April 18th 2020.ResultsThe polygenic signal increases during the first weeks of March, peaking at March 13th with the measured genetic variants explaining ∼3% of the variance, including two genome-wide significant loci. The explained variance starts to drop at the end of March and reaches almost zero on April 18th. The majority of this temporary polygenic signal is due to genes associated with higher educational attainment and better health.ConclusionsThe temporary positive relationship between Covid-19 cases and regional socio-economic status (SES) at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak may reflect 1) a higher degree of international travelers, 2) more social contacts, and/or 3) better testing capacities in higher SES regions. These signals are in the opposite direction of expected disease risk increasing effects, which has the potential to cancel out signals of interest. Genetic association studies should be aware of the timing and location of cases as this can introduce interfering polygenic signals that reflect regional differences in genes associated with behavior.

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