Shared genes cause multiple psychiatric disorders

A new study reveals that eight different psychiatric disorders share a common genetic basis, potentially opening doors for treatments targeting multiple conditions simultaneously. Researchers identified specific gene variants shared across autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others, and observed their behavior during brain development, offering new treatment targets. These variants were found to be active for extended periods, influencing multiple developmental stages. This research builds on a 2019 study that identified 109 genes linked to these disorders. The findings suggest that targeting these shared genetic factors could lead to therapies addressing multiple psychiatric conditions, impacting nearly one billion people worldwide.