Lack of diversity regarding genetic and environmental backgrounds weakens the generalization and clinical applicability of research findings on psychotic disorders. Notably, Latin Americans have been generally neglected in genetic studies, comprising less than 2% of genome-wide association study samples. But Latin American populations represent a unique opportunity for research, given the exceptionally high ethnic admixture of this group. Increasing genetic diversity is essential to improve the fine mapping of known regions associated with psychotic disorders, discover novel genetic associations, and replicate studies. Additionally, Latin America is characterized by massive social, political, and economic inequalities, all known risk factors for mental health issues, including psychotic disorders. This article aims to 1) discuss the challenges and advantages of studying Latin America's particular genetic makeup and environmental context; 2) review previous studies conducted in the region; and 3) describe three Latin American research initiatives in progress: the Neuropsychiatric Genetics of Psychosis in Mexican Populations (NeuroMEX), the Paisa, and the Latin American Network for the Study of Early Psychosis (ANDES) studies.

中文翻译：

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多样性很重要：拉丁美洲低收入和中等收入国家精神病遗传学研究的机会

遗传和环境背景缺乏多样性削弱了精神病研究结果的普遍性和临床适用性。值得注意的是，拉丁美洲人在基因研究中普遍被忽视，占全基因组关联研究样本的不到 2%。但鉴于这一群体的种族混合度极高，拉丁美洲人口代表了一个独特的研究机会。增加遗传多样性对于改善与精神病相关的已知区域的精细定位、发现新的遗传关联和重复研究至关重要。此外，拉丁美洲的特点是巨大的社会、政治和经济不平等，所有已知的精神健康问题的风险因素，包括精神障碍。本文旨在 1) 讨论研究拉丁美洲特定基因构成和环境背景的挑战和优势；2) 回顾以往在该地区进行的研究；和 3) 描述正在进行的三个拉丁美洲研究计划：墨西哥人口精神病的神经精神遗传学 (NeuroMEX)、Paisa 和拉丁美洲早期精神病研究网络 (ANDES) 研究。