Irritability and family environment in a multigenerational cohort: Brazilian High Risk Cohort Study (BHRCS)

• Grant number: 24/02157-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Eurípedes Constantino Miguel Filho
• Grantee: Eurípedes Constantino Miguel Filho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/12901-9 - National Center for Research and Innovation in Mental Health (CISM), AP.ESP
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/22041-5 - Irritability and Family Environment in a multigenerational cohort: Brazilian High Risk Cohort Study (BHRCS), BP.JD

Abstract

In childhood, irritability is a relevant clinical symptom present in different psychiatric disorders - such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression - and is also considered a risk marker for mental health. Prospective longitudinal studies have shown that children with high levels of irritability are at greater risk of developing internalizing and externalizing disorders, suicidal behavior and presenting functional impairments throughout development. Genetic factors and factors related to the family environment, such as parental psychopathology and inconsistent parenting, have been associated with irritability. However, other characteristics of the family environment, such as socioeconomic factors, family cohesion, conflict and control, have not been investigated. Furthermore, previous studies on the relationship between irritability and family environment evaluated symptoms of irritability without considering the presence of other psychiatric symptoms; or investigated specific aspects of the family environment without considering the interactions between them and the influence of genetic factors. Additionally, few studies have evaluated the bidirectional relationship between irritability and the family environment, limiting the interpretation of the findings. Objectives: thus, this project aims to advance the knowledge about the relationship between irritability, family environment, and genetic factors, using data from the Brazilian Transgenerational High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions (BHRCS), a prospective cohort study. To this end, two studies will be carried out. The objectives of each study are: Study 1 - evaluate, through network analysis, the relationship between: (a) irritability and symptoms of ADHD, anxiety and depression (b) factors related to the family environment (including socioeconomic factors; child maltreatment; family cohesion, conflict and control; and parental psychopathology), and (c) genetic factors (polygenic risk score (PRS) for depression and PRS for ADHD). Study 2 - evaluate the mediating role of different factors related to the family environment in the relationship between parental psychopathology and irritability in preschool children; and evaluate, in a prospective model, the mediating role of children's irritability in the relationship between parental psychopathology in adolescence and parental psychopathology in adulthood. Methods: study 1 will be developed using data from 2511 BHRCS participants, collected in 3 time points. And study 2 will be developed using data from 267 of the 2511 BHRCS participants who have at least one child; and 322 BHRCS participants' children. The 4th wave of evaluations of BHRCS participants is ongoing. And the assessment of participants' children will be carried out through 60-90 minutes of online interviews, with the primary caregiver by a trained psychologist. For statistical analyses, in study 1, we will use network analysis, and in study 2 we will use structural equation models. Implications: the results of this project will expand knowledge about the complex relationship between irritability, family environment, and genetics; and may identify possible targets for interventions that can inform the development of new treatments and prevention strategies. Also, the data from the evaluation of the BHRCS participants' children will be added to the BHRCS database to be used in new studies that may make relevant contributions to the field. (AU)