Posted on 02/25/2006 8:22:24 AM PST by oxcart
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 43per 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 Lord says to be of good cheer, that he has overcome the world.
I have a terminal disease for which there is no cure. I get up every morning and thank God for the day, and pray that I won't sqaunder the opportunities He gives me.
And I am almost NEVER depressed.
Goodness, dc, that sounds like bipolar disorder.
The "struggle to live with" stuff you describe is true. The best description of the "mixed state" I know of is "chainsaw personality" as in "the chainsaw school of human relations".
Recurrent depressions lasting weeks and months are typical with bipolar II. So is a real mean streak. Just to cap the whole thing off bipolar disorder gets worse with time.
"I promise you you're wrong."
You sound either manic or like a fool. "Promise me"?
Ah, manic, I see. Good old "chainsaw school of human relations." Lithium should work fine.
You are describing bipolar disorder to a T.
I rejoice for you - I hope this depression never visits you.
But joy in the Lord is mine even now - without Him I could not go on.
Note" - look at the psalms of David - he was very depressed.
Kind regards in Christ.
You seem paranoid, freaked out, and angry.
I promise you, you can get yourself out of your depression.
you seem like a very good person.
i am very impressed by the sensitivity and kindness of a number of people on this thread.
companies keep coming out with new medications to help with depression, so it is possible that you may eventually not have to experience it very often.
Oh, yeah, I forgot the /sarcasm command. Heck.
This stuff is tiny, eh?!
Yes, the attention, by others, really is spiritual in nature. Undoubtedly a different gene would work better for the victim.
While looking down on so many from your lofty perch, I'm curious to know if the air is really that thin up there.
It's just a wild guess, but I think you forgot to take your meds:-)
It's really amazing how well that works. I've been trying to get a depressed friend to start walking briskly fifteen minutes a day and work his way up.
My therapist told meof one of her patients who would come in, recline on the couch, and tell her that just breathing took all of her energy.
She's much better now but it can take a lot of effort to get to the point where someone can think about exercising. Once your friend can get to that point, things should come more easily. As my therpist says.... baby steps. Perhaps there is something that won't seem so insurmountable that you can help your friend achieve.
The 'us' I was referring to was more of a generic one. I consider myself a survivor of it. And I was also being a bit on the sarcastic side, since greats such as Lincoln and Churchill were depressed.
While 'life pattern' sounds good, I think that there are several factors, all of which can interact in various ways. So, there is no single right way. I am glad you found your way out, but your way and my way (and the way of others) can be different, not one thing works for everyone.
People who have never suffered from depression don't often understand how the condition is worse than chronic pain. Thanks for your posting.
The latter probably don't exist; and depression is nothing at all like the former.
Of course the latter exist. Sociopaths, psychopaths, some narcissists and borderlines, extremely self-centered people, along with many abusive pathologies, or even people caught up in some types of emotion-driven movements, can present that kind of behavior. With the right medications (or the right desensitizing indoctrination) the majority of entire populations can exhibit it.
This article, and our discussions here, have nothing to do with what you are posting.
My reply was about the article, not the discussion. I think it has a lot to do with it. I have no control over whether you see that, or whether you agree or not.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.