(1) To survey the current field of research relating to the
genetics of mental disorders and to report on recent and
prospective advances. (2) In particular, to review: (a) whether
there are sufficiently firm criteria for diagnosis; (b) how
substantial the evidence is implicating genetic influences. (3)
To review the potential clinical applications of the
research.read more » If we can identify genes that influence a
particular behavioural trait, it may be possible to identify and
select people who have that trait. This is an area of particular
concern because the information could also be used to select
which people should (or should not) be born. It is important to
stress that this is not currently possible and there are huge
practical difficulties.read more » The report considers
behavioural traits such as intelligence, personality (including
anxiety, novelty-seeking and shyness), antisocial behaviour
(including aggression and violent behaviour) and sexual
orientation. The focus is on behaviour within the