Longitudinal Research at the Interface of Affective Neuroscience, Developmental Psychopathology, Health and Behavioral Genetics: Findings from the Wisconsin Twin Project

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2019 Aug;22(4):233-239. doi: 10.1017/thg.2019.55.

Abstract

The Wisconsin Twin Project comprises multiple longitudinal studies that span infancy to early adulthood. We summarize recent papers that show how twin designs with deep phenotyping, including biological measures, can inform questions about phenotypic structure, etiology, comorbidity, heterogeneity, and gene-environment interplay of temperamental constructs and mental and physical health conditions of children and adolescents. The general framework for investigations begins with rich characterization of early temperament and follows with study of experiences and exposures across childhood and adolescence. Many studies incorporate neuroimaging and hormone assays.

Keywords: behavior genetics; developmental psychopathology; longitudinal; neuroimaging; sensory; temperament; twins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affective Symptoms / genetics*
  • Affective Symptoms / physiopathology
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology
  • Child
  • Diseases in Twins / epidemiology
  • Diseases in Twins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders / genetics*
  • Mood Disorders / physiopathology
  • Mood Disorders / psychology
  • Neurosciences / trends
  • Phenotype
  • Psychology, Developmental / trends
  • Psychopathology / trends
  • Temperament / physiology
  • Twins / genetics*
  • Wisconsin