State-of-the-art-article
Genetics of psychiatric disorders: Recent developments Part II: Findings of schizophrenia, mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease
R. Vonk, B.J.M. van de Wetering, M.F. Niermeijer
The first part of this review of the genetic aspects in psychiatry described the methodology of genetic research, the complexity of genetic counseling and the genetic aspects for the eating disorders, anxiety disorders and alcoholdependence.
Here, the genetics of schizophrenia, mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease are reviewed. Empirical results are available for the first two disorders, but no clear evidence for either associations or linkage with candidate gene loci. In early onset Alzheimer's disease different loci for mutations have been found.
In conclusion the complexity of genetic research for psychiatric disorders and the expectations for the future are considered.