Clinical evidence of great significance published in the American Journal of Psychiatry includes contributions from Elisabet Vilella, a prominent researcher at the Hospital Universitari Pere Mata
An international group of researchers specializing in the genetics of psychiatric disorders, including Dr. Elisabet Vilella from the Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata and the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute, has published an article presenting new evidence on the genetic causes of psychiatric disorders and their potential clinical applications. The article, featured in the prestigious American Journal of Psychiatry, is structured into various sections, each analyzing a specific type of genetic variant and providing conclusions. Additionally, each section includes a simulated case to illustrate the different findings.
The article highlights the ethical and social considerations that must be taken into account when utilizing genetic information, to avoid its misuse, as seen in the past. It also provides recommendations for integrating recent advances in psychiatric genetics into the clinical practice of mental health professionals. Emphasis is placed on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between specialties, enabling a comprehensive care model. Specifically, it underscores the need for joint efforts between mental health specialists and medical genetics professionals—whether clinical geneticists or genetic counselors—who are trained to provide information and guide patients and families throughout the process.
The team of international researchers who published the article is part of the Training Committee of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics. They are currently working on developing educational materials about the genetics of various psychiatric disorders. These resources will be created in multiple languages and made available to the general public.
The Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV) serves as the hub for health and biomedical research in the province of Tarragona. It brings together key institutions such as the Joan XXIII University Hospital in Tarragona, Sant Joan University Hospital in Reus, Institut Pere Mata in Reus, Verge de la Cinta Hospital in Tortosa, and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Since its establishment in 2005, the institute has been dedicated to ensuring that biomedical research translates into high-quality clinical practice for the benefit of patients and the improvement of public health.
More than 600 professionals, including researchers, technicians, and trainees, are part of IISPV, which encompasses 38 research groups distributed across four strategic areas: the Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition area, comprising 16 research groups; the Infection, Immunity, and Environment area, with a total of 10 groups; the Oncology area, including 6 research groups; and the Neurosciences and Mental Health area, integrating 6 research groups.
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