The Genetic Liability to Disability Retirement: A 30-Year Follow-Up Study of 24,000 Finnish Twins
Author Information
Author(s): Harkonmäki Karoliina, Silventoinen Karri, Levälahti Esko, Pitkäniemi Janne, Huunan-Seppälä Antti, Klaukka Timo, Koskenvuo Markku, Kaprio Jaakko
Primary Institution: Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate the contribution of genetic factors on disability retirement due to common medical causes, particularly depressive disorders.
Conclusion
A moderate genetic contribution to the variation of disability retirement due to any medical cause was found, with genetic effects decreasing with age.
Supporting Evidence
- 20% of the cohort retired due to disability during the follow-up.
- The heritability estimate for disability pensions due to any medical cause was 0.36.
- Genetic effects were stronger at younger ages of disability retirement.
- Familial aggregation in disability pensions due to depressive disorders was best explained by common environmental factors.
Takeaway
This study looked at how genetics might affect whether people retire early due to health problems, especially depression, and found that genes play a role, especially when people are younger.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the Finnish Twin Cohort Study, focusing on disability retirement events over 30 years among twins.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the reliance on self-reported zygosity and the exclusion of certain twin pairs with bipolar disorder.
Limitations
The study's findings may be limited by the changes in diagnostic criteria over time and the small number of concordant twin pairs for specific disorders.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 49.7% women, with participants followed from 1975 to 2004.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.035
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.32–0.40
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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