Not by genes alone: new hope for prevention

New understanding of the etiology of mental disorders calls for a revised look at psychiatric research priorities. Current research efforts are focused on the search for biogenetic causes of mental disorders. However, a small but growing body of research is revealing the inextricable relationship between genes and environment. The article questions the prevailing assumption that biogenetic factors are more fundamental than co-occurring psychosocial factors. The article synthesizes findings from clinical studies and gene-environment literature to illuminate the role of psychosocial adversity and other environmental stressors as primary etiological factors interacting with genetic vulnerabilities in the development of mental disorders. Applying this understanding of etiology combined with recent advances in prevention research methods offers new promise of positive dividends from investments in primary prevention.