Why is Genetics Research Important?
In addition to gaining more information about psychiatric disorders, we are interested in understanding how genes are passed on from generation to generation. We are also very interested in finding susceptibility genes. These are genes that may make an individual more likely to develop a disorder. We invite entire families, that is, both parents and children, to take part in our studies. We ask each family member for either a blood sample or a cheek swab sample. From these samples, we can look at each persons DNA. Genes are contained in DNA and are passed down from parents to children. Researchers can use this information to find out which genes are related to certain disorders. Once located, we may begin to understand how the specific genes work, why a particular disorder occurs, and how the disorder is passed down in families. Such knowledge is very important in the development of treatment and prevention strategies. A Thank You We look forward to the research and discoveries ahead.
