Biomarkers of Environment Sensitivity

Genetic and Brain Correlates of Sensitivity to Positive and Negative Environment: New Predictive Markers of Stress Management Intervention Outcome

Most of the common mental disorders are heritable to a certain extent but environmental factors have an important role influencing whether the disorder will develop or not. These factors can be negative (e.g. loss of job or death of a loved one) that increase the risk of disorders but also positive (e.g. friends that provide support in need or doing sport regularly) that prevent the development of symptoms. This study investigates whether those who are sensitive to negative impacts may be also more sensitive to positive circumstances. If this is true, improving the environment of these people, for example offering psychotherapy, may help them more than to those who are not sensitive to the environment. More than 500 000 participants' genetic data is used to investigate which genetic factors are associated with sensitivity to environment. This information will be used to determine genetic sensitivity to environment in independent participants who went through functional magnetic resonance brain imaging. Therefore, the study will examine whether sensitive and non-sensitive peoples' brain respond differently to positive and negative stimuli. Finally, tests will determine how sensitivity to environment influences the effectiveness of an intervention that psychologists use to improve stress coping in young adults. This method aims to identify biomarkers to predict the effectiveness of this intervention. In summary, the study will enhance the understanding of why some people are more sensitive to environmental influences and how this information can be utilized to select the most suitable therapy for them.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable mental state
• Right-handed
• Not taking regular medication (exception: in females, the use of hormonal contraceptives and oral iron supplements is permitted)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current somatic or neurological disorder, or a history of such conditions that may affect neurophysiological functioning (poor physical health may influence mental state and thereby affect the results)

• Current or past major psychiatric disorder based on medical history or according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, with the exception of unipolar depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, provided that:

  1. the participant is currently asymptomatic or exhibits only mild residual symptoms,
  2. the disorder does not cause significant functional impairment or distress, and
  3. there is no absolute indication for pharmacological treatment

• Risky or endangering behavior, or lack of adequate insight into illness

• Regular use of medication (exception: in females, the use of hormonal contraceptives and oral iron supplements is permitted)

• Alcoholism or other substance abuse

• Contraindications for fMRI participation: Metal implants that may compromise participant safety during scanning or cause artifacts in image acquisition

• Pregnancy