A long-term study of 127 people has yielded some insight into the genetic and situational factors that contribute to depression. Researchers analyzed the participants’ DNA and followed up with them every five years to ask about major life events and depression. The DNA analysis allowed them to identify three different populations: people who are genetically prone to depression, those who are genetically resistant, and those whose DNA represents a mix of both types. When there are enough negative events in a person’s life within a one-year period, those who are genetically liable to depression are much more likely to become depressed than those who are genetically resistant. But even for the genetically vulnerable population, it’s not just a single bad thing happening that can trigger depression, but multiple negative events within a certain time period. Research into the subtleties of genetic and social factors in depression seems like it’s bound to yield better treatments and maybe even ways to help prevent depression. Based on my own experiences with depression, it’s not a simple matter to sort out all the factors that go into a particular depressive episode or even into a tendency toward depression, and one size certainly does not fit all, so this strikes me as very interesting work.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/uons-nna030106.php
