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Applications of behavioural genetics: outpacing the science?

Nature Reviews Genetics volume 6, pages 793–798 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Human behavioural genetics is an established research discipline of the genomic age, and applications for behavioural genetic information are most likely to emerge in areas such as criminal justice, education, employment and insurance. However, behavioural genetic research into personality traits and antisocial behaviour poses several risks; for example, tentative or preliminary research findings might be misused in legal and commercial settings. Scientific caution, public and media education, expert consultation and confidentiality protection are essential for the responsible use of behavioural genetics.

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Acknowledgements

The author is indebted to I.I. Gottesman and D. Kaye for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 501 East Broadway #310, Louisville, 40202, Kentucky, USA

    Mark A. Rothstein

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  1. Mark A. Rothstein
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DATABASES

Entrez

MAOA

MAOB

Omim

Alcoholism

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

carpal tunnel syndrome

fragile X syndrome

nicotine addiction

Parkinson disease

schizophrenia

Williams syndrome

FURTHER INFORMATION

Human Genome Project

Institute for Bioethics

Glossary

ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity or impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals that are at a comparable level of development.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

A mood disorder that is characterized by periodic swings between exaggerated elation and depression.

BRAINSTEM

A portion of the deep posterior part of the brain that consists of the midbrain, pons and medulla.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, which is often caused by repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist.

FRAGILE X SYNDROME

X-linked mental retardation. It occurs in both genders, but with a higher frequency in males.

FRIEND OF THE COURT

An individual or group that has an interest in a case, but is not a party to it.

HEREDITARY NEUROPATHY WITH LIABILITY TO PRESSURE PALSIES

A disorder of the peripheral nerves that results in unusual sensitivity to touch, numbness and loss of muscle strength.

KLINEFELTER SYNDROME

A disorder in which males have an XXY-chromosomal constitution. It is associated with a predisposition to learning disabilities and other symptoms.

LINKAGE ANALYSIS

A method for tracking the transmission of genetic information across generations to identify the map location of genetic loci on the basis of co-inheritance of genetic markers and discernable phenotypes in families.

RECIDIVISM

The tendency to relapse into a behavioural condition, especially criminal behaviour.

TURNER SYNDROME

An aneuploidy disorder in which females have a single X-chromosome constitution. It is associated with a diminution in perceptual abilities.

WILLIAMS SYNDROME

A disorder that is caused by deletion in chromosome 7, resulting in mental retardation, aortic stenosis and other symptoms.

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Rothstein, M. Applications of behavioural genetics: outpacing the science?. Nat Rev Genet 6, 793–798 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg1687

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