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Psychiatric genetics has rapidly evolved. But what should mental health clinicians actually know—and do—with this knowledge?
This paper is our consensus-based guide to integrating psychiatric genetics into real-world clinical care.
Psychiatric genetics has rapidly evolved. But what should mental health clinicians actually know—and do—with this knowledge?
This paper is our consensus-based guide to integrating psychiatric genetics into real-world clinical care.
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🔍 We cover key topics:
• Familial aggregation
• Common & rare genetic variants
• Polygenic scores
• Epigenetics
• Gene-environment interactions
• Pharmacogenomics
• Genetic counseling
• Ethical issues
📊 Psychiatric disorders are highly heritable—but that doesn’t mean they're genetically determined. We stress a balanced model: integrating genes and environment for holistic care.
Mental illness ≠ destiny.
🌱 Polygenic scores (PGS) are exciting but have real limitations—especially for diverse populations. Clinicians must approach with nuance and avoid deterministic interpretations. Equity matters.
🧬 Rare variants can be game-changing. Genome sequencing can yield answers in up to 30% of patients with ASD or intellectual disability.
Our paper outlines how to interpret these findings—and when to test.
💊 What about pharmacogenetics?
We separate hype from evidence, outlining when pharmacogenetic data should influence psychotropic prescribing—and when it shouldn't.
Spoiler: Not all “green box” meds are created equal.
🧠 Genetic counseling is more than testing. It’s about empowering patients with knowledge, reducing stigma, and making informed choices.
We champion integration of genetic counseling into psychiatric training.