From Adversity To Psychopathology: Long-Term Epigenetic Consequences in Adversity-Divergent Twins

This study aims to improve our understanding of how previous life experiences (psychosocial adversity, PSA) affect mental health through biological mechanisms. We examine how PSA affects DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns, and its implications for mental health. Using a sample of monozygotic (MZ) twins, this study controls for confounding genetic factors, focusing exclusively on PSA experienced postnatally. Data on PSA is collected using questionnaires, while psychological symptoms are assessed with a structured clinical interview. DNAm data is derived from whole blood. We will first assess whether variations in DNAm mediate the link between PSA and within-pair differences in psychological symptoms and their severity. We will then evaluate hypo- and hypermethylation in selected genomic regions and explore potential associations with psychological symptoms. Finally, we hypothesize that genes exhibiting differential methylation in regulatory regions influence mental health outcomes.