Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences: Karim Ghazouani and His Insights

Hi, my name is Karim Ghazouani. I am a Master’s student in Biotechnology and Health at Mohammed VI University of Science and Health in Morocco, specializing in genetics and bioinformatics. I aspire to build a career in biomedical research and science communication. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and exploring new developments in health and technology.

Reviewed Article: Review of family and genomic studies on adolescent psychopathology by Consortium of the Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Main Argument & Findings:

The article explains that around half of the differences in adolescent mental health outcomes are due to genetic factors. It shows that disorders such as anxiety and depression often co-occur because of shared genetic influences. It also highlights that some genetic effects remain stable across development, while new ones emerge during adolescence, showing clear gene–environment interactions. This shifted my understanding by showing that mental health is not purely environmental. Genes play a strong role, but the environment still shapes the final outcome.

Importance for Youth:

Knowing that genetics contribute about 50% helps young people understand the roots of mental health challenges. It reduces stigma and feelings of blame toward themselves or their families. It also encourages seeking early support, as awareness of genetic risk empowers youth to act instead of waiting until problems worsen.

What I Learned: 

I learned that genetic risk does not mean destiny, since the environment interacts with genes in powerful ways. In real life, this means interventions like school counseling, peer support, and early therapy can reduce the effects of genetic vulnerability. For example, a teenager with a family history of depression who receives guidance and support at school may avoid the full impact of that genetic risk.

Citations: Authors. (2024). Review of family and genomic studies on adolescent psychopathology. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39697100

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-ghazouani?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app