The genetics of childhood psychiatric disorders: A decade of progress

Objective: To review the literature over the past decade on the genetics of childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. Method: A computerized search was pe rformed for articles published in the past decade, and selected papers were highlighted. Results: The past decade of research has illuminated the comp lex genetics of early-onset mental disorders. Advances in statistical metho dologies and laboratory-based gene-hunting techniques are laying the founda tion for a deeper understanding of both the biological and environmental fa ctors that contribute to mental illness. Researchers are on the verge of id entifying and characterizing genetic vulnerabilities involved in common chi ldhood psychiatric syndromes. Conclusions: Although the study of the geneti cs of childhood psychiatric disorders has advanced significantly over the p ast decade, considerable work remains. The identification of genes conferri ng vulnerability to psychiatric illnesses will have the potential to transf orm the field by providing insight into both biological and environmental d eterminants that contribute to serious developmental and psychiatric disord ers in children and adolescents. These advances promise new understanding a nd new avenues for prevention and treatment. They will also present physici ans and families with significant clinical and ethical challenges.