Approved Research

Understanding the causal pathways from environmental exposures to neuropsychiatric outcomes

Lay summary

In this research project, we aim to examine the relationships among environmental risk factors, human body reactions, and the mental health conditions. Although many genetic risk factors and environmental risk factors have been associated with psychiatric symptoms, the biological link from environment exposures to the variations of the symptoms is missing. Here, we will use UK Biobank data to refine the quantification of the environmental exposures, establish the physiological response model, and investigate the path leading to the neuropsychiatric outcomes. Gaining insight into the potential pathways can may lead to identifying ways to modulate the risk and prognosis of psychiatric disorders, enhancing the mental health in general.