A third future direction is the use of a behavior genetic design in tandem with the collection of DNA and the measurement of well-specified environmental processes. Currently, the fields of behavioral genetics and molecular genetics have been relatively independent; however, the integration of the two approaches within a single study expands the possibility of linking specific polymorphisms with specific genetically influenced behaviors early in development. As such, phenotypic behaviors known to be associated with specific polymorphisms can be identified and used as potential screening and identification procedures for preventive interventions and service delivery programs. In future decades, as the field of molecular genetics advances and more gene variants known to increase risk for mental health disorders are identified, understanding the link between a specific polymorphism and a genetically influenced phenotypic behavior might provide an important clinical and preventive tool. Social service agencies that want to apply the newest knowledge about genetic risks for disorders but do have access to their clients' DNA profile (for technological and ethical reasons) can leverage knowledge from studies that use a behavioral-molecular genetic approach to
