NEW BOOK: Human genetics expert discusses causes of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders

By Sathya Achia Abraham

FOR YOUR EXPERT DATABASE

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 31, 2006) – Kenneth S. Kendler, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and human genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University, has authored a new book titled “Genes, Environment, and Psychopathology.”

Since the early 1980s, Kendler, who is nationally recognized for his research, has been examining the relationship between genetics and environmental risk factors in the development of drug abuse behaviors. Kendler and his colleagues have unveiled important clues to understanding the underlying causes of psychiatric and substance use disorders through his research.

In his book, Kendler, who is also the director of the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (VIPBG), discusses the causes of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. Specifically, the book looks at the interplay of a number of genetic and environmental factors and how they influence the risk for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, antisocial behavior, alcoholism and substance abuse.

The book is based on the results of the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders, which includes data on more than 9,000 individuals. Kendler collaborated with his long-term colleague, Carol A. Prescott, Ph.D., who is affiliated with the Department of Psychology at the University of Southern California. The book was published in July by The Guilford Press.

Kendler has studied the genetics of psychiatric and substance use disorders including schizophrenia, major depression, alcoholism, and smoking and nicotine dependence. His work on the molecular level focuses on identifying the location of the specific genes that influence vulnerability to schizophrenia, alcoholism, and nicotine dependence.

Kendler has published more than 450 articles in peer-reviewed journals and serves on the editorial boards of several scientific journals, including Archives of General Psychiatry and Current Psychiatry reports. He is the editor of Psychological Medicine and is a member of the Institute of Medicine. He received his medical and psychiatric training at Stanford University and Yale University, respectively.