Genomic correlates of self-reported psychic experiences: An exploratory analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychology

Background:

• Psychic experiences are common globally but lack clear biological explanations.
• Family studies suggest a potential genetic component to psychic experiences.
• Understanding the genetic underpinnings of psychic phenomena is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between genomic variation and self-reported psychic experiences.
• To identify specific genetic markers potentially linked to psychic experiences.
• To explore the biological basis of psychic phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Random Forest classification on genetic data from 102 adults reporting psychic experiences.
• Analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association with psychic experience scores.
• Employed permutation testing and false discovery rate (FDR) correction for statistical significance.

Main Results:

• Identified 212 significant SNPs associated with psychic experience scores (FDR < 0.05).
• The strongest association was with rs10410488 near the ARHGEF18 gene, involved in calcium-dependent dendritic growth.
• Other associated genes relate to calcium signaling, brain structure, microtubule dynamics, and hormonal pathways.

Conclusions:

• This exploratory study suggests candidate genetic variants associated with psychic experiences.
• Findings highlight potential neurobiological pathways, including calcium signaling and ARHGEF18.
• Further research with larger, diverse cohorts is needed to confirm these preliminary genetic findings.