Genetic mechanisms in childhood psychiatric disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes research findings on the genetics of several childhood psychiatric disorders.

METHOD

One hundred fifty papers were reviewed from the past several decades and were selected because they have suggested that genetic factors may play a role in the etiology of certain childhood disorders. This review is not meant to be exhaustive but rather has emphasized those disorders for which a genetic etiology has been proposed by different research groups.

RESULTS

The more classical approaches to genetic research are reviewed and critiqued. The status of research for a number of childhood disorders is summarized. The molecular basis for several developmental disorders is presented and the prospects for arriving at a similar molecular understanding for other childhood psychiatric illnesses are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic factors play a determining role for certain developmental disorders. However, the molecular basis for other psychiatric disorders has yet to be elucidated and there are complicating factors that bear on genetic research of complex behavioral disorders.