Association between stressful life events and psychotic experiences in adolescence : evidence for gene-environment correlations

Shakoor, Sania, Zavos, Helena, Haworth, Claire, McGuire, Phillip, Cardno, Alastair, Freeman, Daniel and Ronald, Angelica (2016) Association between stressful life events and psychotic experiences in adolescence : evidence for gene-environment correlations. In: Life History Research Society Meeting; 25 - 28 May 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Background: Stressful life events (SLEs) are associated with psychotic experiences (PEs). SLEs might act as an environmental risk factor, but may also share a genetic propensity with PEs. Aims: Estimate the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence the relationship between SLEs and PEs. Method: Self and parent-reports from a communitybased twin sample (4,830 16-year-old pairs) were analysed using structural equation modelfitting. Results: SLEs correlated with positive PEs (r = .12-.14, all p<. 001). Modest heritability was shown for PEs (25-57%) and dependent SLEs (32%). Genetic influences explained the majority of the modest covariation between dependent SLEs and paranoia and cognitive disorganisation (bivariate heritabilities = 74-86%). The relationship between SLEs and hallucinations and grandiosity was explained by both genetic and common environmental effects. Conclusion: Further to dependent SLEs being an environmental risk factor, individuals may have an underlying genetic propensity increasing their risk of dependent SLEs and positive PEs.

Actions (Repository Editors)

Item Control Page Item Control Page