endophenotypes are measurable traits or characteristics that are related to a complex disorder, such as schizophrenia or autism. endophenotypes are not directly observable by others, but they can be detected by biological tests, such as brain imaging or genetic analysis. These are useful for researchers who want to understand the causes and mechanisms of complex disorders, because they can help identify the genes and environmental factors that contribute to the disorder.
endophenotypes can also help clinicians who want to diagnose and treat complex disorders, because they can provide more specific and objective information than behavioural symptoms alone.
