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[krazykitkat]

Gene responsible for depression found
By Claire Weaver and Andrew Chesterton
February 26, 2006

IN a world first, researchers from NSW have discovered the gene responsible for depression.

After 25 years' research, scientists have found that people who carry a particular gene are more likely to suffer depression regardless of their life experiences.

The medical breakthrough will have major ramifications for diagnosis and treatment of the disease which affects one in four Australians.

The study, to be published in the prestigious British Journal of Psychiatry this week, shows that people who carry a short serotonin transporter gene are predisposed to depression.

Conversely, those who carry a long version of the serotonin transporter gene would be more resilient to whatever life throws at them.

Around 43 per cent of the population is believed to carry the short version of the gene.

The breakthrough comes in the wake of a series of recent high-profile cases of depression, including former WA premier Geoff Gallop, the late rugby league legend Steve Rogers and former state opposition leader John Brogden.

Former Australian Olympic swimmer John Konrads and actor Garry McDonald were also sufferers. It is hoped the findings could be used to pre-warn carriers of their susceptibility and take early preventative treatment.

Mr Konrads described the breakthrough as exciting.

"I think it's wonderful to think that people who might have that doubt could confidentially find if they're conducive to depression or not, that would be fantastic," he said.

The serotonin transporter gene, which is responsible for our uptake of "feel good" serotonin and mood control, has been implicated in depression before – but this is the first and most conclusive evidence of its true role.

The Sunday Telegraph

Comments

[bexatious.livejournal.com]

So how do we get tested for it?

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

I assume there will be a blood test. Of course it isn't absolute, it's just a tendency.

[athena4lynn.livejournal.com]

Oooh, that *IS* good news.

Although, I'm not sure that warning people they're susceptible to depression is a good thing. Isn't that likely to depress them? And make them worry?

I'm not being fascicious here, I'm quite serious

Still, it has great potential for the treatment of depression. Wow.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

THere's a good answer to your question in the comment below yours.

It's pretty amazing, though it's a big proportion of the population.

[privateuniverse.livejournal.com]

I saw this in the paper this morning and nearly cried I was so happy, it is probably the first time since the introduction of Prozac and other SSRI's (which lets face it are basically bandaids for a brain haemorrage) that there is real hope for people suffering with depression.

Although, I'm not sure that warning people they're susceptible to depression is a good thing. Isn't that likely to depress them? And make them worry?

I'm not being fascicious here, I'm quite serious

Possibly, I'm not quite sure, I can tell you that being diagnosed with SAD helped me, not hindered, it was so much easier when I understood why, maybe it would be advantageous for a person prone to depression to know that there are going to be times when for no real reason they are going to feel bad and there is help available for them.

So how do we get tested for it?

I'd imagine a blood test will be developed. that is how they usuaally test for genetic markers.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

Between this and the possibility of the new drug for rheumatoid arthritis and other imnflammatory diseases...I know it's all a long way off, but it's hope.