Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
ERN, biological marker, depression, anxiety, psychological disorder
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Anxiety and depression disorders have a high rate of prevalence in the adult U.S. population (anxiety 18.1%; depression 9.5%; “Mental Disorders,” 2010). Indeed, it is estimated that by the year 2020 depression will be the second most prevalent health concern worldwide for all ages and both sexes (“Depression,” n.d., para. 2). Many disciplines are seeking effective treatment options, as well as exploring potential preventative solutions for these disorders. One such preventative possibility is the elucidation of endophenotypes, which are unobservable characteristics that are linked with a behavior known to be a phenotype of the disorder. Research on the etiology of various psychological disorders suggests a strong genetic link. Various studies have demonstrated a greater probability of developing a psychological disorder if one parent has a disorder (Beidel & Turner, 1997; Downey & Coyne, 1990). Thus far, efforts to identify genetic causal factors of psychopathology have failed to produce clear findings, however the possibility of identifying endophentoypes remains strong.
Recommended Citation
Rackham, David and Larson, Dr. Michael
(2014)
"A Meta-analytic Evaluation of the ERN as a Biological Marker of Depression and Anxiety,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 313.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/313