Incorporating the social environment in genotype environment interaction studies of mental disorders

That both genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors contribute to the aetiology of depression and other common mental disorders is well recognised. However, the study of gene-environment interaction (G × E) in mental disorders has recently incited a great deal of controversy. We have suggested (1) that what is needed is more, and better quality, rather than less, research on how genotypes and a range of environmental factors jointly produce mental disorders. In particular, we believe that the non-replication of genetic main effects and G × E in mental disorders may be explained at least in part by the lack of consideration of relevant social environmental contexts.