The genetics of depression and related traits

Abstract

There is considerable evidence that genetic factors play a major role in the etiology of unipolar depression. Investigations into vulnerability genes for unipolar depression are underway and for more broadly defined depression-related traits, such as anxiety, neuroticism, and harm avoidance. This review discusses some of the core issues related to study design and molecular genetic methodology, followed by an overview of recent molecular genetic findings for unipolar depression. The research to date has identified regions within certain chromosomes that may contain risk genes. Improved study design and the use of new molecular techniques hold promise for the identification of more specific vulnerability genes for unipolar depression.

Effect of Chronic Escitalopram versus Placebo on Personality Traits in Healthy First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Depression: A Randomized Trial

“…Most of the genetic risk for MD expressed via personality is captured by neuroticism, with a modest influence of conscientiousness, and with small influence of openness, extroversion, and agreeableness [2], [3]. When neuroticism decreases in patients with depression treated with antidepressants, it has been difficult to clearly distinguish the treatment effect on neuroticism from the treatment effect on the depressive disorder, as remission of depressive symptoms is associated with partial normalization of neuroticism [4].…”

Personality traits in unaffected twins discordant for affective disorder

“…A few studies have concentrated on personality traits as a risk factor of bipolar disorder and the association between personality traits and bipolar disorder is unclear (2, 6, 7). Genetic risk factors for neuroticism and depression are related and may interact with other risk factors of affective disorder (8, 9). Rarely investigated, stressful life events and neuroticism seem to have an additive effect by increasing the overall risk of affective disorder (10).…”

A remote and highly conserved enhancer supports amygdala specific expression of the gene encoding the anxiogenic neuropeptide substance-P

“…Furthermore, the incidence of these disorders is closely linked to increased morbidity and mortality rates. 1 Despite a great deal of evidence indicating a strong genetic component to depression and anxiety related disorders, 2 the genetic systems that govern the modulation of anxiety and depression remain obscure.…”