Approved Research

Genetics of the externalizing factor: evidence from genomic structural equation modeling

Lay summary

Several research studies have found that  there is a high likelihood of having multiple externalizing mental health problems together, and these problems are also influenced by genetic factors. This suggests that there are common causes underlying these problems. The common externalizing factor includes various personality traits and behaviors like impulsiveness, a tendency to be aggressive or antisocial, and issues with substance use. In clinical terms, this group of disorders includes conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and substance use disorders. The goal of this project is to find specific genes that are linked to the single externalizing disorders. The researchers will then gather these genetic markers and use them in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify a common externalizing factor shared by these disorders.