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.

[massadvj]

Yes. My mother is manic-depressive, her mother and sister were also, and now so is my daughter. When I was youmg, the psychiatrists used to tell us that mommy was that way because she suffered trauma as a child. It was complete bullshit.

I am hopeful that this will lead to even more beneficial treatments for my daughter.

[Magic Fingers]

"There was a problem with a bad batch of L-tryptophan that killed half a dozen people - not available in the US any more (except by prescription I think)."

I bought L-tryptophan yesterday at Sprouts Market (Phoenix).

[Ditter]

Most of the depressed ones are on pills already so different pills wouldn't be much of a change unless they work better. All of my mother in laws family (including my husband) have trouble with depression. My husband is not terribly depressed but some of the others are nuts. I hope this is good news for them.

[oxcart]

Yes, and yes they would. If your interested in mental health this book is the best forty bucks I ever spent;

http://www.hopepress.com/html/tourette_syndrome_and_human_be.html

[Vision]

I don't believe this for a second

[Iris7]

Perhaps you find depression getting worse with passing years and pleasant days coming more and more rarely. Perhaps you are difficult for others. Perhaps you have become stoic and self restrained because of impulsiveness, excitability, and unwillingness to lash out at others.

Speaking from experience.

Bipolar. Lamatrogine and carbamazepine can work wonders when added to depression treatment. This business is metabolic, like diabetes or epilepsy. Think a seizure of the emotions. Think of a life more than just duty and survival.

[VOA]

bump for publicity

[Austin Willard Wright]

Therapy? The drug dealers (err.....psychiatrists) will use this is an opportunity to line their pockets and make even more people dependent (err...."treated.") 43 percent of the population. Think of the money!

[Glenn]

I don't believe this for a second

Could you say more?

[Frank Sheed]

http://www.brainsway.com/

Now under FDA trials. You might find this of interest.

F

[Iris7]

Perhaps you might look at my #46.

[Iris7]

You are not alone.

You may find my #46 interesting.

[oxcart]

Thank you! We will half to wait and see if this trait is carried by Chelsey.

[VeritatisSplendor]

Thanks for the article. It goes along with some of what I discovered by trial and error - B vitamins good, carb-insulin-serotonin connection (eat complex carbs - I got over a series of panic attacks by always having whole wheat bread and a banana handy).

Mrs VS

[Iris7]

You might care for my #46. You are not alone.

[technochick99]

I take venlafaxine \ effexor

The fact that you still feel terrible indicates to me that you might consider changing your meds. On top of that, I recommend CBT. Best of luck to you!

[Vision]

What would you like? I guess you believe depression is in the genes and you can't do anything about it. How about joy, is that in the genes? Laughter? Next they'll be saying being gay is in the genes.

Maybe there is no struggle in life. It's all in the genes and everybody should stop trying and get on medication. Note to all evolution, in 2006 human man discovered that we are powerless over our well being. It's over, the sky has fallen and all life will now stop

[vimto]

Thanks - I noted that they accept the unpopular view that ECT is effective in the quick relief of depression. I agree, I have seen it save lives.

They may well be on to something there...

[oxcart]

I cant believe you have that attitude toward psychiatrists. /sarcasm off

[Vision]

Physc 101, depression is anger turned inward. There is not a depression in the world that cannot be relieved by expressing the withheld anger.