Application of functional genomics to psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are common and severe psychiatric illnesses directly affecting approximately 1% of the population worldwide. Both have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected not to mention the burden on family members and friends and the huge economic costs to society in general. Little is understood about the underlying pathophysiology of either disease and thus the majority of the research into their aetiology has been based in genetics as both are known to be highly heritable.