The Risk Reference Panel: a thematic analysis of a multidisciplinary forum for complex cases.

Aims and methodTo describe the functions of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Risk Reference Panel and characterise the typical referrals presented and outcomes from the panel. A structured thematic analysis was performed on verbatim transcripts of 48 panel sessions. RESULTS: The 79 codes identified were grouped into 16 subthemes.

Phenotypic variation between parent-offspring trios and non-trios in genetic studies of schizophrenia.

Background: Phenotypic differences between parent-offspring trios and non-trios have been reported for various psychiatric disorders, and it has been suggested that this may make comparisons of case-control and family-based results for gene-disease association studies inappropriate.

Aims: To compare phenotypes between trios and non-trios with schizophrenia, and explore possible reasons for differences observed.

Method: Phenotypes were compared between trios (n=75) and non-trios (n=424) collected as part of a case-control study.

Polymorphisms in the MAOA, MAOB, and COMT genes and aggressive behavior in schizophrenia.

Some studies have reported associations between COMT and MAO genotypes and aggression, though results have been inconsistent. We examined the relationship between Overt aggression scale (OAS) scores, and both MAOA and MAOB polymorphisms in a well-powered sample of 346 subjects with schizophrenia. We also examined COMT in a Stage II replication sample of 150 individuals, and combined these results with our previously reported (Stage I) findings for COMT.

Genetic variation in the seven-pass transmembrane cadherin CELSR1: lack of association with schizophrenia.

Objectives: Cadherins play a critical role in morphogenesis and maintenance of neuronal connections in the adult brain. We examined the gene encoding a member of the non-classic seven-pass transmembrane cadherins, CELSR1 for association with schizophrenia. It maps to chromosome 22q13.

Association analysis of the HOPA12bp polymorphism in schizophrenia and manic depressive illness.

Variations in exon 42 of the HOPA (human opposite paired) gene have been associated with mental retardation, hypothyroidism and psychiatric disorders. We attempted to replicate the association with schizophrenia using 309 parent-offspring trios from Bulgaria and 367 unrelated cases and 368 blood donors from the UK. We also tested 125 bipolar trios from Bulgaria, 112 bipolar trios from the UK and a sample of 178 unrelated bipolar cases and 188 blood donors from the UK.

Schizophrenia and functional polymorphisms in the MAOA and COMT genes: no evidence for association or epistasis.

Several lines of evidence suggest that psychosis is associated with altered dopaminergic neurotransmission. Dopamine is catabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). We hypothesized that the genes encoding MAOA and COMT might contain genetic variation conferring increased risk to schizophrenia.