The usefulness of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genetic epidemiological investigation of complex psychiatric diseases.

The genetic epidemiology of complex psychiatric diseases has become a much studied and very prospering field. It is widely believed that many genetic factors contribute to the various phenotypes and diseases, with overall contributions of a single factor being comparatively minor. The study of choice in such settings is the investigation of allelic association, which may be performed in a variety of ways. Here single nucleotide polymorphisms are an indispensable tool.