Neuroimaging genetics and developmental psychopathology: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Interdisciplinary field integrating neuroimaging and genetic data.
• Focuses on understanding the genetic underpinnings of brain structure, function, and behavior.

Background:

• Imaging genetics has advanced significantly due to progress in molecular genetics and neuroimaging.
• It offers new ways to study individual differences in cognitive and socio-emotional development.
• Links between these differences and neurodevelopmental disorders are a key area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advancements in imaging genetics.
• Focus specifically on studies published between 2020 and 2024 concerning developmental psychopathology.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search across PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO.
• Screened 769 articles, selecting 42 publications based on predefined inclusion criteria.
• Categorized selected studies by developmental age groups: birth/early childhood, late childhood/early adolescence, and late adolescence.

Main Results:

• Identified substantial progress in imaging genetics research over the past five years.
• Highlighted ongoing challenges in data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Emphasized the need for larger sample sizes and innovative analytical techniques.

Conclusions:

• Continued advancement in imaging genetics requires addressing current methodological limitations.
• Larger sample sizes are crucial for robust findings in developmental psychopathology.
• Animal studies may provide valuable complementary insights to human research.