Extending Causality Tests with Genetic Instruments: An Integration of Mendelian Randomization with the Classical Twin Design.

ABSTRACT: Although experimental studies are regarded as the method of choice for determining causal influences, these are not always practical or ethical to answer vital questions in health and social research (e.g., one cannot assign individuals to a "childhood trauma condition" in studying the causal effects of childhood trauma on depression). Key to solving such questions are observational studies. Mendelian Randomization (MR) is an influential method to establish causality in observational studies. MR uses genetic variants to test causal relationships between exposures/risk factors and outcomes such as physical or mental health. Yet, individual genetic variants have small effects, and so, when used as instrumental variables, render MR liable to weak instrument bias. Polygenic scores have the adv

SUBMITTER: Minica CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6028857 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature