Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Jun 10: In a landmark international study, researchers have identified specific genetic factors that influence how individuals develop symptoms of ADHD, autism, and anxiety—based on their sensitivity to life experiences.

Led by King’s College London, the study is the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of identical twins to date. It involved over 21,000 genetically identical twins from 11 global studies, combining efforts from researchers at 23 universities.

The research revealed that even among identical twins, variations in environmental sensitivity—how people react to the same events—can explain why one sibling may experience mental health symptoms more intensely than the other.

“Our findings suggest that specific genetic variants influence how environmental exposures impact psychiatric and neurodevelopmental symptoms,” said Dr Elham Assary, a postdoctoral researcher at King’s College London.

The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, identified genes linked to brain development and stress response that contribute to varying levels of autistic traits, depression symptoms, and psychotic-like experiences.

Genes associated with growth factors, crucial for neurodevelopment and immune response, were connected with autistic traits. Meanwhile, genes that regulate stress hormones (catecholamines) were tied to psychotic symptoms.

Professor Thalia Eley, a senior researcher on the study, noted, “Some people are more sensitive to their circumstances. In positive settings, this can be an advantage, but in stressful environments, it may lead to increased risk for mental health issues.”

This research opens doors for future personalised treatments that consider genetic sensitivity to improve mental health outcomes.