Using genetics to stratify patients and improve prediction of clinically relevant outcomes in psychiatry and neurology

Background: Many genetic variants have been linked to psychiatric and neurological problems. However, the biological mechanisms by which these genetic variants cause these problems are unclear, limiting the extent to which these findings can be used to improve clinical care. My approach: Recently, our understanding of how genetic variation affects biological processes in the brain has progressed significantly. I will use this knowledge to uncover biological processes by which genetic variation cause psychiatric and neurological problems. I will then attempt to separate patients into subgroups based on the specific biological processes driving their condition. I will then test whether this information can be used to improve prediction of clinical outcomes. Impact: My work will provide insight into the biology of neurological and psychiatric problems, allowing us to separate patients into more specific groups to provide personalised healthcare and so improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.