Investigating the Associations between Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Genetic Liability and Adverse Social and Functional Outcomes across Childhood, Adolescence and Young-Adulthood

Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions often originate in youth and can lead to adverse social and functional outcomes. However, it is unclear whether these associations are driven by genetic liability to these conditions, with possible developmental differences. We examined multivariable associations between polygenic scores (PGS) for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and three outcomes: peer problems, educational attainment/NEET (not in education, employment or training) and suicidality, in childhood, adolescence and young-adulthood. Data were analysed from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, with outcomes at ages 10–13, 16 and 24–25 years. ADHD PGS was associated with peer problems in childhood, adolescence and young-adulthood, as well as with lower educational attainment in childhood/adolescence and NEET status in young-adulthood. ASD PGS was associated with greater educational attainment in childhood and adolescence, and increased likelihood of suicidality in childhood. Depression PGS was associated with peer problems in childhood and young-adulthood, and poorer educational attainment/NEET and suicidality in adolescence and young-adulthood. We did not find strong evidence of associations for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or anxiety PGS. These findings suggest that genetic liability to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions are associated with a range of social/functional outcomes, although the strength and direction of association varies by PGS, outcome and development stage. This highlights the importance of examining genetic liability to multiple neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions simultaneously and of a developmental perspective.