genetic liability

However, these two latter conditions are not as stable as the other developmental disorders, and there is not the same evidence of a shared genetic liability.

Thin Genetic Boundary The new work underscores the complexity of human genetics, and how thin the boundary is between a genetic strength and a genetic liability.

"It may begin with a genetic liability, but when the early episodes of depression happen, it probably has to do with psychosocial stressors," said Dr. Neal D. Ryan, a psychiatrist and a leader of a 20-year study of adolescent depression at the University of Pittsburgh.