What if paranoia could be genetically located? A study of Prader-Willi syndrome gave scientists a chance to find out. Keep reading to learn more about this development, or follow the original story here.
Genes play a huge role in who we are. At least in a physical respect, scientists know that our genes determine much of the way our bodies look and function. Many traits have been traced to specific genes or genetic sequences.
The interaction between genes and behavior, however is less understood. There is still much research to be done regarding the relationship between genetics and psychology.
In the past, there has been research connecting genetic structures to specific behaviors. Studies have even been conducted which connect genetic causes to why certain people enjoy staying up late. Another study picked out a genetic marker associated with thrill-seeking in skiers. Impulsive decision making and addictive behaviors have even been connected to some genes in men.
Typically, a collection of genes can be found which correlates to a characteristic. It is difficult, however, to find one specific gene that directly causes a behavior.
Scientists recently had the opportunity to observe this relationship first hand. The rare disease Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition which causes insatiable hunger, is often accompanied by paranoia. Recent research was able to identify a connection between this psychological behavior and an active genetic region. To learn more about Prader-Willi syndrome click here.
Many of the symptoms caused by Prader-Willi syndrome can be traced to two genes on the same chromosome.
In the new study, researchers carefully examined the genetic patterns of people with Prader-Willi syndrome. They took note of which patients exhibited the most pronounced paranoia. Among these patients, researchers sought a pattern in gene expression, or the way in which genes activated.
By comparison, researchers also looked into genetic data from 831 people without Prader-Willi syndrome. Researchers collected questionnaires from this group in addition. Through this study, researchers reported they were able to pinpoint a common genetic region for those with paranoid experiences.
Prader-Willi syndrome occurs as result of genetic abnormalities on chromosome 15. Paranoia and hallucinations are incredibly common symptoms of the disease. Since Prader-Willi syndrome is already characterized by paranoid behaviors, researchers suspected a connection with chromosome 15.
The discovery found was far more specific than researchers expected. Researchers located a genetic variant labeled SNP rs850807. This variant was had strong connections to the paranoid qualities of Prader-Willi syndrome while being unrelated to other psychological symptoms accompanying the disorder. Furthermore, the genetic variation was also connected to paranoid tendencies in people who filled out the questionnaire but did not have Prader-Willi syndrome.
This research lays the groundwork for a new view of paranoia and similar psychological behaviors. For example, knowing the genetic patterns allows for brain imaging. Scientists may be able to focus in on specific brain circuits that activate during paranoid episodes. This could allow for a much deeper understanding of how the behaviors occur, and how illnesses function.
