In psychology, the historical debate of nature versus nurture refers to whether hereditary or environmental factors dictate behavior. This oversimplified theory fails to capture how internal genetic factors and external influences intersect and contribute to human nature. For instance, scientists know that common environmental factors can affect gene expression, such as differences in diet, sun exposure, and medication use.1,2 Although researchers today recognize the false dichotomy of nature versus nurture, it remains challenging to untangle the complex interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors tied to neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that affects how patients think, feel, and behave. However, the detailed pathophysiology of this disorder is largely unknown, which impedes early detection and intervention. “It's a highly heritable disorder…The question is, what is the genetic component,” explained Karolina Aberg, a professor from Virginia Commonwealth University. “We look at DNA methylation, which is a molecule ...
