Genes Can Help Determine Our Susceptibility To Depression: Study

Scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered new evidence that our genes play a vital role in determining our susceptibility to depression.

Our genes plays a crucial role in determining our susceptibility to depression, according to a research by University of Michigan.

The new findings have challenged a 2009 study that questioned the genetic link.

Quiz on Depression
The World Health Organization reports that depression is one of the main causes of disability affecting about 121 million people worldwide. More tragically, it claims around 850,000 lives every year. Hence, it is important that we understand this affliction to help ourselves or our loved ones to cope and, hopefully, resolve it. How well do you know the facts about depression? Take this quiz and find out.

Previously, scientists had discovered a connection between a gene that regulates the neurotransmitter serotonin and an individual's ability to rebound from serious emotional trauma, such as childhood physical or sexual abuse.

Srijan Sen, of the University of Michigan Medical School, and colleagues examined 54 studies dating from 2001 to 2010 and encompassing nearly 41,000 participants, before reaching a conclusion.

"When we included all the relevant studies, we found that an individual's genetic make-up does make a difference in how he or she responds to stress," said Sen.

Adolescent Depression - Causes - Affects - Depressed Teens - Treatment - FAQs
Adolescent depression is an ailment that occurs during the teenage characterized by persistent melancholy, disappointment and loss of self-esteem.

Rudolf Uher, a clinical lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, said the U-M research will help cut through the debate about the genetic connection and refocus the field on making new advances to help those affected by mental illness.

"The major strength of the analysis is that it is the first such work that included all studies that were available on the topic. And it gives a very clear answer: the 'short' variant of the serotonin transporter does make people more sensitive to the effects of adversity," said Uher.

Depression Screening Test
Online Depression Screening Test tells if you have mild or chronic depression based on your depression symptoms. Learn how to deal with depression by using this self-assessment calculator.

The new analysis found robust support for the link between sensitivity to stress and a short allele in those who had been mistreated as children and in people suffering with specific, severe medical conditions.

Only a marginal relationship was found in those who had undergone stressful life events.

How to Handle Depression
Few tips that could help you to manage depression. It is ok to be moody once in a while but if you feel moody for a longer period of time then it could be depression.

The findings were published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry.

Source-ANI