An Historical Perspective on Psychiatric Genetics, the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics and the Role of Elliot Gershon

Abstract

Psychiatric Genetics is a relatively new field that was defined by groups of researchers interested in the familial aggregation of psychiatric disorders, and spurred on by the escalating new field of molecular genetics beginning in the 1980s. This manuscript contributes to a special issue honoring the career of Elliot S. Gershon, a true pioneer and critical thinker, who contributed substantially to the development of this field and also its stimulating meetings that brought colleagues together to discuss the latest research findings. It details the role Dr. Gershon played in establishing the precursor of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (ISPG) and how he remains in a leadership role on its Board of Directors and was honored with one of the ISPG Lifetime Achievement Awards.