One in four people experience mental health challenges. This was established by the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Trimbos Institute in . Despite this prevalence, the underlying causes of these conditions remain largely unknown, prompting ongoing research into their origins.
A groundbreaking new study has identified shared genetic factors across a range of common psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions. The research, involving analysis of DNA data from over 1 million individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and 5 million without, reveals a surprising degree of biological overlap previously underestimated.
The study, published in the journal Nature on , identified five underlying “genomic factors” involving 238 genetic variants that account for the majority of genetic differences between those with and without a particular disorder. These factors suggest that some shared genetic influences operate early in brain development, during fetal stages, while others may exert a greater impact later in life.
According to researchers, the findings have the potential to reshape how psychiatric conditions are understood and treated. “It is spectacular to see how accurately these diagnoses share genetics and biology,” says Anders Børglum, a professor at the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University in Denmark. He believes the results already hold promise for making encounters with the psychiatric system less frustrating for patients and, in the long term, could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.
Categorizing Psychiatric Disorders Through Genetics
The research groups 14 psychiatric disorders into five broad categories, each characterized by a common genetic architecture. These categories include:
- Disorders with compulsive features: encompassing anorexia nervosa, Tourette disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- “Internalizing conditions”: including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Substance use disorders.
- Neurodevelopmental conditions: such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- A category grouping bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: Notably, the study found that 70 percent of the genetic signal associated with schizophrenia is also associated with bipolar disorder.
Historically, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have been considered distinct conditions, and clinicians typically avoid diagnosing an individual with both. The genetic findings challenge this traditional view, suggesting a closer biological relationship than previously recognized.
Implications for Treatment and Future Research
The identification of shared genetic factors has significant implications for the development of new treatments. Researchers suggest that targeting these shared genetic variants could lead to therapies that address multiple conditions simultaneously. This approach could be particularly beneficial given the frequent overlap and co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders.
A related study, published in January 2025, identified specific genetic variants impacting brain development that are shared across eight psychiatric disorders. This builds upon the larger analysis and further reinforces the idea of common biological pathways underlying mental illness. The researchers emphasize that understanding these pathways is crucial for developing more effective interventions.
While the study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders, it’s important to note that genetics is only one piece of the puzzle. Life experiences, environmental factors, and other biological influences also play a significant role in the development of these conditions.
The findings also highlight the need for continued research into the complex interplay between genes and environment. Further investigation is needed to fully understand how these genetic factors interact with other influences to contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders.
A Shift Towards Biological Understanding
This research represents a significant step towards a more biologically informed understanding of psychiatric conditions. By identifying shared genetic factors, scientists are moving beyond traditional diagnostic categories and gaining a deeper appreciation for the underlying biological mechanisms involved. This shift could ultimately lead to more precise diagnoses, more effective treatments, and a reduction in the stigma associated with mental illness.
The study’s authors hope that these findings will pave the way for a more personalized approach to mental healthcare, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s unique genetic profile and biological characteristics. While this vision is still some years away, the current research provides a crucial foundation for future advancements in the field.
Recent research also points to specific brain cells linked to depression, offering another avenue for targeted treatment development. While this research is separate from the genomic study, it underscores the growing understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental health conditions.
