Depression gene found

News.com.au ^ | 02/26/2006 | By Clair Weaver and Andrew Chesterton

[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.

[muawiyah]

Hey, I'm happy as a pig every single moment, and the only thing that makes it better is if I can collect a large dollar value bill.

Still, I can recognize clinical depression in someone else.

[Vision]

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

I'd love to get into this deeper with you because I'm that confident of what I'm saying. Mail me if you want to get personal and continue on with this.

[Vision]

Oh I believe clinical depression is very real, I just don't believe it is genetic.

[muawiyah]

Sure it's genetic. That's why it's so widespread. However, it looks to be a recessive ~ which is why you get just under 1/4 of the folks developing it.

The pattern is unmistakable.

[Vision]

To each his own

[oxcart]

Do you mean 5-htp or L-Tryptophan, there is a big difference.

[oxcart]

That is the way I started...very slowly (walking) and worked my way up to 3-4 miles a day (running).

Good luck with your friend.

[Servant of the 9]

So how I can I make sure my next wife doesn't have this gene?

Try a practical joke when she's having PMS.

If you live, she doesn't have it.

SO9

[apackof2]

But the attention is spiritual, not medical

Really?

Well as a Christian I say it can be both

It doesn't have to be one or the other

After all Luke was addressed as "dear physician" in the Bible

[apackof2]

Most of those stuck on depression are irresponsible and full of self pity, blaming everyone else and the world for their lot in life.
How stupid. What a waste of time.

The Lord says to be of good cheer, that he has overcome the world.

The Lord also said that He "desires mercy more than sacrifice"

Try displaying some instead of being the "ugly Christian"

[DannyTN]

"Try a practical joke when she's having PMS. If you live, she doesn't have it. SO9"

You're trying to get me killed aren't you!!!!

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

> > The Lord also said that He "desires mercy more than sacrifice" < <

It's actually "obedience" -- not "mercy" that the Lord prefers. BUT agreed, mercy is important and fitting for some of these cases. Boundaries are important, too--and sometimes providing a shoulder is the best thing--and sometimes just being an enabler.

Disillusionment is a good thing. That means someone is no longer delusional, under an illusion. As in, a reality check.

Depressions such as those of Job and Jeremiah do call for any needful personal repentance and--in our modern era--in rare instances and MUCH more rarely than currently malpracticed--medical attention.

[rvoitier]

oxcart,

I was suprised the 5-HTP wasn't roundly criticized. The Vanderbilt article seemed to be fairly supportive of it even though the article mentioned minor side effects. I haven't tried it though I'll probably look into it.

[Vision]

I'm curious, what evidence do you have besides this story that says depression is something we can't control?

[apackof2]

what evidence do you have besides this story that says depression is something we can't control?

What do you mean by control?

[Vision]

What do you mean by control?

Solve the problem someone is dealing with?

[Iris7]

Manic for sure. I promise you. (Heh.)

Grandiose excitement, conviction of special understanding and knowledge decays into irresponsibility of the most dire sort.

Happiness and excitement, hardly any need for sleep, tremendous feeling of potency, conquered your depression, eh?

You won't believe me now, it is impossible for you to do so, but you may remember what I have said later. Best of luck to you.

"I promise you" indeed! Boy have I seen that stuff before!

[Vision]

Maybe you should go talk to a professional

[apackof2]

Solve the problem someone is dealing with?

Sometimes there is no "solution" other than learning to cope to the best of one's ability

I am sure if there was a "sure fire" all purpose solution those who took their own lives after battling depression would have jumped at the chance to avail themselves of it.

Very few people choose to want to be clinical depressed

[Tunehead54]

Oh man! ROFL. Not. The meds joke. How original. Lessee - call someone a "cold bastard" out of the blue, ignore every effort to make you understand that you're dissing a "nice" member of the class you're supposedly defending. Pathetic.

---

Didn't you like my joke? Check the punchline. ;-)

Oh - don't bother responding - I will not reply.