From Epigenetic Associations to Biological and Psychosocial Explanations in Mental Health

Chiara Renzi, Nadine Provencal, Katherine C Bassil, Kathinka Evers, Ulrik Kihlbom, Elizabeth J Radford, Ilona Koupil, Bertram Mueller-Myhsok, Mats G Hansson, Bart P F Rutten

Research output: Contribution to journalReview article

Abstract

The development of mental disorders constitutes a complex phenomenon driven by unique social, psychological and biological factors such as genetics and epigenetics, throughout an individual's life course. Both environmental and genetic factors have an impact on mental health phenotypes and act simultaneously to induce changes in brain and behavior. Here, we describe and critically evaluate the current literature on gene-environment interactions and epigenetics on mental health by highlighting recent human and animal studies. We furthermore review some of the main ethical and social implications concerning gene-environment interactions and epigenetics and provide explanations and suggestions on how to move from statistical and epigenetic associations to biological and psychological explanations within a multi-disciplinary and integrative approach of understanding mental health.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)299-323
Number of pages25
JournalProgress in molecular biology and translational science
Volume158
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene-Environment Interaction
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Research
  • Mental Disorders/genetics
  • Mental Health

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