Mental health etiology: Biological and genetic determinants

This article provides an overview of the genetic epidemiology of psychological and psychiatric ailments. We briefly review principles and methods (such as family, twin, linkage, and association studies) that guide the search for genes influencing these conditions. We also evaluate the evidence implicating familial and genetic factors in general, and specific genes and alleles in particular. As one of the most heritable - and most often studied - psychiatric disorders, we focus on schizophrenia. However, general principles are emphasized, and particularly successful efforts on other disorders are highlighted where appropriate. The article concludes with recommendations to hasten the discovery of risk genes. © 2008