Researchers at Washington University conducted a study linking genetic risks with behaviors that may influence adolescent mental health, establishing pathways for early intervention. This multifactorial exploration utilized a “big trawl” approach, analyzing extensive data on traits, behaviors, and environments to identify gene-behavior associations. Published in Nature Mental Health, the findings reveal important correlations between genetic risk factors and youth behaviors such as screen time and stressful life events.
The researchers performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) that shifted the focus from psychiatric conditions to genetic variants, examining their ties to various behaviors and conditions drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. They identified four genetic risk categories—neurodevelopmental, internalizing, compulsive, and psychotic—each linked to distinct behavioral traits.
Significantly, the study found that genetic liability for mental health issues often manifested through modifiable childhood behaviors. For example, associations were noted between neurodevelopmental genetic risks and screen time, along with a surprising connection between psychotic disorder genetic risk and energy drink consumption. While results are correlational rather than causal, the research suggests potential targets for preventive measures in youth mental health. However, generalizability is limited, as the dataset predominantly represents European ancestry, indicating a need for more diverse genetic studies in the future.
