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Considering medication exposure in genomic association studies of cognition in psychotic disorders

Seenae Eum1, Scot Kristian Hill2, Jeffrey R Bishop3,4

  • 1Department of Pharmacogenomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA.

Pharmacogenomics
|September 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Medications significantly impact cognition in psychosis-spectrum illnesses, potentially more than genetics. Accounting for medication exposure is crucial for accurate gene-cognition association studies in these disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cognitive dysfunction is a primary characteristic of psychosis-spectrum illnesses.
  • Understanding the genetic underpinnings of cognitive symptoms is vital for disease pathophysiology insights.
  • Previous genetic studies have faced challenges in identifying clear associations with cognitive deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the contributions of pharmacological and genetic factors to cognitive function in psychosis.
  • To highlight the confounding effects of medications on gene-cognition association studies.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering medication exposure in genetic research for cognitive disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on gene-cognition associations in psychosis-spectrum disorders.
  • Analysis of the impact of illness-related moderators and environmental factors, particularly medications.
  • Evaluation of the relative influence of pharmacological regimens versus individual genes on cognition.

Main Results:

  • Medication regimens, especially polypharmacy, can significantly confound gene-cognition associations.
  • The impact of medications on cognition in psychotic disorders may outweigh that of individual genes.
  • Current genetic association studies may be hindered by unaddressed medication effects.

Conclusions:

  • Medication effects are a critical confounder in genetic studies of cognition in psychosis.
  • Future research must rigorously account for medication exposure to accurately identify genetic contributions to cognitive dysfunction.
  • Pharmacological interventions may play a more substantial role in cognitive outcomes than previously recognized in genetic studies.
Keywords:
BDNFCOMTanticholinergicsantidopaminergicscognitiongenomic associationsmedication exposurepsychotic disorders

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