Why Are Complex or Multifactorial Disorders More Commonly Expressed Among

question 12

Multiple Choice

Why are complex or multifactorial disorders more commonly expressed among adults than among children?

• A)As adults age, there is more time for environmental factors to influence the expression of a genetic disorder.
• B)Gene expression in adults is greater than in childhood as a result of age-related amplification of gene copy numbers.
• C)Children have better DNA repair mechanisms than adults and are more likely to correct a predisposition for a complex disorder.
• D)In order for a complex or multifactorial disorder to be expressed in childhood, the child must be homozygous for the genetic mutation.

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Definitions:

Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings, including manic (or hypomanic) and depressive episodes, affecting one's behavior and functioning.

Schizophrenia

A grave mental illness defined by abnormalities in thought processes, awareness, moods, speech, self-conception, and activities.

Major Depression Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness or despair and/or a lack of interest in things that once brought joy, affecting daily functioning.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A mental health disorder characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things, leading to significant distress or impairment in functioning.