A new study suggests that the genetic makeup of high school friends can influence an individual’s mental health, including susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and addiction, with potential long-term effects extending into early adulthood.
Led by a Rutgers Health professor, the research reveals that a person’s genetic predisposition to mental health and substance use disorders can significantly impact the likelihood of their friends and peers developing similar issues. This effect persists even after accounting for genetic and socioeconomic factors.
The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, explores socio-genomics, a field that examines how one’s genotype can affect the health outcomes and traits of their social network, particularly among schoolmates. It was found that genetic effects on mental health and substance use were notably stronger among peers in the same educational track compared to those living in the same area.
Genetic influences from peers were found to affect an individual’s risk of developing drug and alcohol use disorders, depression, and anxiety, with these influences lasting for at least a decade after school. The findings underscore the importance of considering network-based and social interventions in addressing these disorders.
Using Swedish national data, the study highlights the significant role of peer genetic traits in shaping health trajectories and emphasizes the potential benefits of targeted social interventions to mitigate the impact of mental health and addiction issues.
