In a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour , researchers from the United States of America conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on personality traits to identify significant genetic loci and explore the potential genetic correlations between personality traits and psychiatric disorders. They identified 208 genome-wide significant loci for neuroticism, including 79 new loci not found in previous studies and 62 novel loci overall. They identified novel loci for other personality traits, revealing complex genetic influences on personality and its relationship to psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
The y axis is the genetic correlation. Error bars (in black) indicate the 95% CIs of the estimated genetic correlation. Anxiety indicates substances taken for anxiety; medication is prescribed for at least 2 weeks.
Heavy DIY activities describes the types of physical activity in last 4 weeks; for example, weeding, lawn mowing, carpentry and digging. Manic behaviour describes manic/hyper behaviour for 2 days. Study: A genome-wide investigation into the underlying genetic architecture of personality traits and overlap with psychopathology Background Evidence suggests that the “big five” personality traits, including extraversion (how energetic, sociable, and friendly one is), neuroticism (tendency towards negative feelings), agreeableness (ability to be empathetic and helpful), conscientiousness, and openness, influence behavior and .