Genetics in experimental psychopathology: From laboratory models to therapygenetics. Where do we go from here?

Abstract

Experimental psychopathology is the application of experimental methods to the study of psychopathology and its underlying processes. The study of individual differences in the development, maintenance and/or relapse of psychopathology is currently at the forefront of research. Stressful events are known to exert a substantial impact on our lives. Why however, do some people react in an extremely adaptive way, while others develop pathology in the aftermath of a trauma? One particularly interesting individual differences factor is genetic makeup and the aim of this paper is to review the current state of the art of genetics in experimental psychopathology which is illustrated by using fear conditioning as an exemplary model in the study of mechanisms underlying anxiety. We identify and discuss current challenges of the field and provide recommendations on how these can be met. In addition, criteria for experimental models of psychopathology as well as future directions are discussed.