A Twin Study on Sociability and Mental Health : A Bridge between Genes and Brain Activities

本研究的目的是通过两个独立的双胞胎队列，一个是儿童期，另一个是青春期和成年期，以纵向方式阐明遗传和环境对社交能力和心理健康状况发展过程的影响。结果表明，认知能力、问题行为和心理健康状况的发展受到遗传变化以及基因与家庭/文化环境之间的各种相互作用的影响。确定基因及其表达以及澄清与认知功能有关的大脑结构和功能的科学基础已经建立。

The purpose of this research project is to clarify genetic and environmental influences on developmental processes of sociability and mental health conditions by two independent twin cohorts, one for childhood and the other for adolescence and adulthood, in a longitudinal way. The results revealed that development of cognitive abilities, problem behaviors and mental health conditions were influenced by genetic changes as well as various kinds of interaction between genes and family/cultural environment. Scientific foundations to identify genes and their expression and to clarify brain structure and functions related to cognitive functions were established.