Gene Analysis We all carry the facilities for depression in us

Discovered 30 new genetic risk factors for depression

Severe depression affects about 14 percent of the world's population and contributes most to the long-term disability and incapacity of the population. However, only about half of the patients respond well to existing treatments. In addition to certain life experiences, genetic factors can also contribute to the risk of depression. A global research project has identified the genetic basis of major depression and identified 44 genetic variants that are considered risk factors for the development of depression.

30 of these variants were rediscovered. The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium study, led by King's College, London, is the largest study of its kind so far. The results of the large depression analysis also suggest that a higher body mass index (BMI) with an increased risk of a severe depression is associated. The research was recently published in the renowned science journal "Nature Genetics".

What do depression and schizophrenia have in common?

The study's scientists found that the genetic basis for major depression is similar to other psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. According to the analyzes, all people worldwide carry at least some of the 44 identified genetic risk factors.

Powerful analysis

Previous studies had difficulty identifying more than a handful of genetic variants associated with depression. By combining seven separate datasets, the research team analyzed data from more than 135,000 people with major depression. The results were reviewed in more than 344,000 controls. The London-based King's College press release on the study speaks of an "unprecedented global effort of over 200 scientists.".

New and improved therapies

A significant number of the genetic variants identified in the study are directly related to the targets of current antidepressant drugs. "The new genetic variants have the potential to revitalize the treatment of depression by opening the door to the discovery of new and improved therapies," says Dr. Gerome Breen from the Department of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London.

The top position of genetic discoveries

"With this study, depression genetics has moved to the top of genetic discovery," says Breen. "Depression is an incredibly common disease that affects millions of people," adds Professor Cathryn Lewis, who co-ordinated the British contribution to the study with Breen.

The research should now be pushed forward

The new findings will now be used to prevent and treat depression. The Australian researcher Professor Naomi Wray from the University of Queensland, who was in charge of the international study, and her team are now looking for volunteers who have been diagnosed with clinical depression to build on this study.

We all carry a potential depression in us

"We've shown that all people have genetic variants for depression, but those with higher levels of stress are more vulnerable," says Wray. The identification of genetic factors also opens new doors for the study of environmental factors.

Volunteers wanted

"We also want to understand the factors that lead to the differences between people in their responses to various antidepressants," said Wray in a Queensland University press release looking for volunteers for postgraduate studies. Wray wants to motivate more people affected by depression to join the research.

Depression is very complex

"Depression is genetically very complex," adds Professor Nick Martin, one of the lead authors of the Brisbane Medical Research Institute QIMR Berghofer study. The more people can be included in the study, the more thoroughly the understanding of the disease will be improved.

Maßge (n) tailed antidepressants

The purpose of the new study is to ask people about their experience with antidepressants with the aim of improving the efficacy of these drugs. "Our ultimate goal is to develop improved treatments and to be able to recommend antidepressants specifically for the respective genetic makeup," said Martin. (Vb)