Influence of cross-disorder analyses on the diagnostic criteria of mental illnesses

Cross-disorder studies are identifying shared genetic variations among common mental illnesses - including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression - which are classified as independent disorders in the current diagnostic system. These cross-disorder studies are challenging the traditional system of diagnosing mental disorders based on clinical symptoms, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will lead to an improved method of classifying psychiatric disorders that can, in turn, lead to better outcomes for individuals suffering from these conditions.