Meet Gene.
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.
Meet Gene.
One does not exclude the other; and for people who need the therapy it could be a lifesaver.
Who knows. I can guaruntee I have a crummy gene for this. I spend a great deal of effort being not depressed. Let alone happy.
interesting
This is good info for those of us who have always realized it runs in families. Finally nice to have some proof to work with.
So how I can I make sure my next wife doesn't have this gene?
Try exercise (running), its the only thing that keeps me sane.
So there is a device that can measure depression ?
Seems like a discovery of an invention like that would be more news than a gene, since there is nothing people can do to change there genes but think of what could be done with a depression measuring machine?
For example, hook it up to the spouse, install them in restaurants, movie theaters, the possibilities where satisfaction needs to be benchmarked are endless!
"...affects one in four Australians..."
Wow, isn't 25% of the population, a pretty high number?
L-tryptophan - is it availalbe in the UK as an over the counter...? I seem to remember that it was used in Psychiatry years ago for depression but it was only available on prescription.
I take venlafaxine \ effexor.
L-tryptophan - is it availalbe in the UK as an over the counter...? I seem to remember that it was used in Psychiatry years ago for depression but it was only available on prescription.
I take venlafaxine \ effexor.
Hang in there, I still battle with it also. The good Lord, exercise and a little L-Tryptophan keep me sane.
Hang in there, I still battle with it also. The good Lord, exercise and a little L-Tryptophan keep me sane.
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
This news is depressing
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 tried 5-HTP, another serotonin precursor, but that made me feel worse.
Mrs VS
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