Using Mendelian randomization analysis to better understand the relationship between mental health and substance use: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Poor mental health has consistently been associated with substance use (smoking, alcohol drinking, cannabis use, and consumption of caffeinated drinks). To properly inform public health policy it is crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations, and most importantly, whether or not they are causal.

Methods

In this pre-registered systematic review, we assessed the evidence for causal relationships between mental health and substance use from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, following PRISMA. We rated the quality of included studies using a scoring system that incorporates important indices of quality, such as the quality of phenotype measurement, instrument strength, and use of sensitivity methods.

Results

Sixty-three studies were i

SUBMITTER: Treur JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8327626 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature