Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
2025 Spring BCS Colloquium Series: Kathryn Paige Harden
Talk Title: Results from a Genome-Wide Association Study of the Externalizing Spectrum in ~4 Million People
Abstract:
The externalizing spectrum encompasses psychiatric disorders and health risk behaviors characterized by disinhibition (acting without regard to future negative consequences) and antagonism (acting without regard to other people’s rights and feelings). Externalizing disorders and behaviors are highly comorbid and have overlapping genetic etiologies. In this presentation, I will describe results from a multivariate genome-wide association study of ~4 million people with European-like and African-like genetic ancestry that leveraged genetic sharing among 7 externalizing behaviors. A general Externalizing factor (EXT) was highly genetically correlated with antisocial behavior, Opioid Use Disorder, and suicide attempt. In a multi-ancestry meta-analysis, we identified 1,000 genome-wide significant loci. Bioannotation analyses implicate early prenatal neurodevelopment, particularly in GABAergic and dopaminergic systems. Across multiple independent cohorts, a polygenic index (PGI) for Externalizing significantly predicted alcohol and illicit drug use, aggression, rule-breaking, school suspension and expulsion, job termination, and criminal arrest and incarceration, as well as myriad diseases affecting every bodily system, including pregnancy complications, viral infections, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and pain. Analyses of family data indicate that PGI associations largely capture direct genetic effects. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the development of a constellation of stigmatized psychiatric disorders that impose a profound burden on human health and well-being.
Bio:
Kathryn Paige Harden, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she directs the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab, co-directs the Texas Twin Project, and is the Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Psychology graduate program. She is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Virginia. Her research uses genetic and epigenetic research methods to understand why people’s lives turn out differently. She is particularly interested in adolescence, a period of rapid and formative change that helps shape health and well-being for the rest of the life course. In addition to research, Paige teaches “Introduction to Psychology” as a synchronous massive online class to thousands of UT undergraduate students every year. Her first book, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality (Princeton), was named one of the “Best books of 2021” by The Economist and has been translated into 10 languages. She is currently working on a new book, Original Sin, to be published by Random House.
2025 Spring BCS Colloquium Series: Kathryn Paige Harden
Talk Title: Results from a Genome-Wide Association Study of the Externalizing Spectrum in ~4 Million People
Abstract:
The externalizing spectrum encompasses psychiatric disorders and health risk behaviors characterized by disinhibition (acting without regard to future negative consequences) and antagonism (acting without regard to other people’s rights and feelings). Externalizing disorders and behaviors are highly comorbid and have overlapping genetic etiologies. In this presentation, I will describe results from a multivariate genome-wide association study of ~4 million people with European-like and African-like genetic ancestry that leveraged genetic sharing among 7 externalizing behaviors. A general Externalizing factor (EXT) was highly genetically correlated with antisocial behavior, Opioid Use Disorder, and suicide attempt. In a multi-ancestry meta-analysis, we identified 1,000 genome-wide significant loci. Bioannotation analyses implicate early prenatal neurodevelopment, particularly in GABAergic and dopaminergic systems. Across multiple independent cohorts, a polygenic index (PGI) for Externalizing significantly predicted alcohol and illicit drug use, aggression, rule-breaking, school suspension and expulsion, job termination, and criminal arrest and incarceration, as well as myriad diseases affecting every bodily system, including pregnancy complications, viral infections, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and pain. Analyses of family data indicate that PGI associations largely capture direct genetic effects. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the development of a constellation of stigmatized psychiatric disorders that impose a profound burden on human health and well-being.
Bio:
Kathryn Paige Harden, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she directs the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab, co-directs the Texas Twin Project, and is the Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Psychology graduate program. She is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Virginia. Her research uses genetic and epigenetic research methods to understand why people’s lives turn out differently. She is particularly interested in adolescence, a period of rapid and formative change that helps shape health and well-being for the rest of the life course. In addition to research, Paige teaches “Introduction to Psychology” as a synchronous massive online class to thousands of UT undergraduate students every year. Her first book, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality (Princeton), was named one of the “Best books of 2021” by The Economist and has been translated into 10 languages. She is currently working on a new book, Original Sin, to be published by Random House.
