The high genetic correlations between these two spectra might arise from a range of non-specific risk genes that broadly predispose to any form of psycho-pathology. Alternatively, part of these correlations might result from causal pathways through the clinical syndromes themselves. For example, internalizing risk genes might predispose to MD or GAD, which in turn might increase the risk for AAD or DAD. Alternatively, genetic variants for externalizing traits might predispose to ASPD or AAD, which often lead to major relationship and work problems that in turn increase the risk for MD or anxiety disorders.
