Large Sample Sizes Cannot Compensate for Mismeasured Environments in GxE Research

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Suzanne Vrshek-Schallhorn, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: To the Editor: We respect Border et al.’s ambitious undertaking (1), which was published in the May 2019 issue of the Journal. We endorse greater scrutiny of novel effects within the literature on gene-by-environment (G×E) interactions, including replication using highly powered methods. We argue, however, that the approach used here to measure the environment—several dichotomized questionnaire items—is insufficient to draw conclusions, despite probing measurement error. Evidence for the importance of the environment for depression is well established (i.e., approximately 63% of liability; [2]), and vulnerability-stress models of depression are widely endorsed and long precede G×E research. However, G×E research has failed to invest in measuring the environment (3); we urge adoption of “E” assessment that matches the rigor of “G” assessment.

Additional Information

Publication
American Journal of Psychiatry 176(8)
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
gene-by-environment, depression, anxiety

Email this document to