AVERA INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN BEHAVIORAL GENETICS

In an exciting scientific component of Avera Reaching Kids, Avera Institute for Genetics addresses the genetic and environmental influences on children and families.

This is the first genetic research program of its kind in the state of South Dakota. This type of cutting-edge research has come about only in recent years since the mapping of the human genome in 2000. While genetic profiles have long been used in the field of physical medicine, this work is still in its infancy in psychiatry.

Avera IHBG research will seek to create a more complete understanding of an individual's genetic profile, interaction with environment and resulting mental health. Ultimately, this research could lead to a better understanding of major behavioral health conditions, personalized treatment and more effective preventative strategies.

Avera Institute for Genetics is located in Sioux Falls, S.D., within the Avera Behavioral Health Center, a state-of-the-art 110-bed facility providing care for children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

Avera Institute of Genetics scientific laboratory is a modern laboratory and workstation space housing cutting-edge genetics laboratory equipment enabling researchers to describe a patient's genetic profile, for example, the GeneChip Instrumentation System from Affymetrix, and DNA Sequencer from Applied Biosystems.

Initial Studies: Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology Research:

Psychiatric disorders exhibit complex inheritance due to the nature of many genes and environmental factors. This project is creating a database of children, parents and their siblings with the intent of conducting various genotype studies. Also, through our partnership with Dr. Hudziak, we are analyzing 1, 000 DNA samples from family members of ADHD patients. The focus of this study is relative to the candidate gene studies for ADHD and other disorders.

Translational Research:

Studies will be designed to offer outcomes that can be applied for clinical benefits. Avera Institute for Genetics has developed a protocol for a study that will look at acceptance of psychiatric intervention for women whose genotyping has indicated a predisposition for depression and a percentage who are considered depressed but have not sought treatment. The hypothesis is that women who are depressed and show a predisposition will now accept treatment because of their genetic results. Thus the goal of removing the stigma associated with a psychiatric illness. Data will offer strong evidence toward the application of genotype studies in psychiatry.