With the help of BlueCyrstal3, Alex has been been running genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic variants that are associated with COVID-19 and Long COVID infection. They have been looking to see how genetic liability to psychiatric traits like depression and anxiety might affect mental health during COVID-19 restrictions. Here, they found that higher genetic liability to depression was associated with greater levels of depression and anxiety during the first UK lockdown in March/April 2020.  

The results from the sudy are available in the main research paper and the associated press release. As the study continues, Alex is currently running analysis for the GWAS of Long COVID and is waiting to see what the outcome of that paper is