EDGE Lab : University of Sussex

Environment, Development,

Genetics & Epigenetics

in Mental Health Lab

At EDGE Lab, we investigate environmental, developmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors, and their interplay, in mental health. Specifically, our research focuses on vulnerability and resilience pathways and mechanisms for common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, we explore the link between mental health and cognitive and physical health and ageing. Our research is truly interdisciplinary; we use prospective longitudinal, cross-cultural, and genetically informative approaches to get insights into determinants and consequences of mental health problems across the life course, generations and cultures.

Research Themes

Risk and Resilience

Biomarkers and Endophenotypes

Health and Ageing

HIGHLIGHTS

Our latest research on mental health and cognitive ageing:

John, A., James, S., Patel, U., Rusted, J., Richards, M., & Gaysina, D. Longitudinal associations of affective symptoms with mid-life cognitive function: Evidence from a British birth cohort. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 2019, In press. doi:10.1192/bjp.2019.24

John A, Patel U, Rusted J, Richards M, Gaysina D. Affective problems and decline in cognitive state in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 2019, 49(3), 353-365. doi.org/10.1017/S0033291718001137.

* You can also read about this study in the Sussex Psychology Blog and the University of Sussex News.

**It was featured in interviews for BBC Radio Sussex (0.42 minutes in) and Being Patient and and has received worldwide media coverage.

Our new publications on genetics and mental health:

Koike S, Gaysina D, Jones PB, Wong A, Richards M. Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) functional haplotype is associated with recurrence of affective symptoms: A prospective birth cohort study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2018, 229: 437-442. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.044.

Gaysina D. Folic acid in pregnancy – MTHFR gene explains why the benefits may differ. The Conversation, 4th of May, 2018.

Our books:

Malykh S, Kovas Y, and Gaysina D. (Eds.) Behavioural Genetics for Education. Palgrave Macmillan, 2016: ISBN 9781137437310. Available online.

Oblozhka Malykh, S.B., Kovas, Y., Gaysina, D.A. (Eds) (2016). Behavioural Genomics: Child Development and Education. Publishing House of Tomsk State University, Tomsk. 442 pages. ISBN 978-5-94621-585-5 [pdf]

EDGE Lab