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The p factor: genetic analyses support a general dimension of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence.

Andrea G AllegriniRosa CheesmanKaili RimfeldSaskia SelzamJean-Baptiste PingaultThalia C EleyRobert Plomin
Published in: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines (2019)
Diverse forms of psychopathology generally load on a common p factor, which is highly heritable. There are substantial genetic influences on the stability of p across childhood. Our analyses indicate genetic overlap between general risk for psychiatric disorders in adulthood and p in childhood, even as young as age 7. The p factor has far-reaching implications for genomic research and, eventually, for diagnosis and treatment of behaviour problems.
Keyphrases
  • early life
  • copy number
  • genome wide
  • depressive symptoms
  • childhood cancer
  • mental health
  • middle aged