Intra-familial dynamics of mental distress during the Covid-19 lockdown

Lockdowns and social restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic intensified the proximity and reciprocal exposure among members of nuclear families. It is unclear how variation in mental distress during this period is attributed to potential influences of family members. This study used genetic data from adolescents (n = 4 388), mothers (n = 27 852) and fathers (n = 25 953), to disentangle the contributions of parent-driven, child-driven, and partner-driven components to mental distress during the first two months of the Covid-19 lockdown. Separate models also included adolescents’ non-pandemic mental distress as outcomes (n = 13 484). Trio genome-wide complex trait analyses separated two types of genetic components; direct–how an individual’s genotype is associated with their own mental distress, and indirect–how an individual’s genotype is associated with the mental distress of family members. A trio polygenic score (PGS) design was used to investigate associations of specific genetic liability factors with mental distress, and whether these changed over time (PGS×time). Results suggest that family-level genetic factors contribute to mental distress; variance components capturing indirect genetic effects accounted for 10% of adolescent mental distress (mother-driven), 2–3% of maternal (partner-driven), and 5% of paternal mental distress (child-driven). Mothers’ depression and ADHD PGS were positively associated with fathers’ mental distress. No PGS×time interactions were found. Direct genetic effects accounted for 9–10% variance in mental distress across family members, partly explained by genetic variants associated with anxiety, depression, ADHD and neuroticism. These findings highlight the importance of family dynamics and emphasize the potential value of including family members in mental health interventions.