Gene-environment interactions and correlations in psychiatric disorders
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Jennifer Y F Lau1, Thalia C Eley
1Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute for Psychiatry, DeCrespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. j.lau@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Genetic and environmental risk factors are known to influence many aspects of human behavior, including the susceptibility to various psychiatric conditions in adult and childhood. Recent evidence suggests that these risk factors interact and correlate with each other to influence phenotypic outcomes. Gene-environment interactions are expressed through genetic variation in the susceptibility toward particular environmental risks, whereas gene-environment correlations are genetically mediated propensities in the exposure toward certain environments. Recent findings from quantitative and molecular methodologic approaches have highlighted their prevalence and importance across several samples and phenotypic outcomes. These have important implications in guiding future psychiatric research, mental health practice, and policy-making bodies.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Gene-Environment Interactions
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...