The Impact of Genes on Adolescent Substance Use: A Developmental Perspective.

Abstract

This review discusses the importance of understanding the impact of genetic factors on adolescent substance use within a developmental framework. Methods for identifying genetic factors, relevant endophenotypes and intermediate phenotypes, and gene-environment interplay effects will be reviewed. Prior work supports the role of polygenic variation on adolescent substance use. Mechanisms through which genes impact adolescent phenotypes consist of differences in neural structure and function, early temperamental differences, and problem behavior. Gene-environment interactions are characterized by increased vulnerability to both maladaptive and adaptive contexts. Developmental considerations in genetic investigations highlight the critical role that polygenic variation has on adolescent substance use. Yet, determining what to do with this information, especially in terms of personalized medicine, poses ethical and logistic challenges.