biostudies-literatureDeng WQCanada Research Chair in Translational Addiction ResearchPeter Boris Centre for Addictions ResearchMedical Research Council (MRC) Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of BristolUK Medical Research Council and WellcomeWellcome Trust2559-2572https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12586799biostudies-literatureUnknown120(12)<h4>Background and aims</h4>Recent large studies have established the genetic basis of several conceptually linked phenotypes of externalizing. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for these constructs are associated with a range of substance use and mental disorder phenotypes but have not been examined with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological addictive behaviors, or across a developmental window. This study identified biological pathways responsible for observed associations between PRSs and addiction phenotypes.<h4>Design, setting, participants</h4>We selected genome-wide association studies of 22 phenotypes, including substance use, general factors of externalizing and addiction, impulsivity and psychiatric conditions. Using summary statistics, we constructed PRSs in the offspring fromAddiction (Abingdon, England)Externalizing as a common genetic influence for a broad spectrum of substance use and behavioral conditions: A developmental perspective from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.PMC12586799217065/Z/19/ZCRC-2020-00179MC_UU_00032/07Belisario KDoggett AMunafo MRPare GMacKillop JPigeyre MDeng WQfalseExternalizing as a common genetic influence for a broad spectrum of substance use and behavioral conditions: A developmental perspective from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.<h4>Background and aims</h4>Recent large studies have established the genetic basis of several conceptually linked phenotypes of externalizing. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for these constructs are associated with a range of substance use and mental disorder phenotypes but have not been examined with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological addictive behaviors, or across a developmental window. This study identified biological pathways responsible for observed associations between PRSs and addiction phenotypes.<h4>Design, setting, participants</h4>We selected genome-wide association studies of 22 phenotypes, including substance use, general factors of externalizing and addiction, impulsivity and psychiatric conditions. Using summary statistics, we constructed PRSs in the offspring from2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-06-06T15:30:29.364Z2026-06-01T03:11:05.693ZS-EPMC125867994076737210.1111/add.70163