This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Study identifies 17 genetic variations associated with depression

Results from an NIH-funded study indicated 15 genome sites associated with depression among individuals of European ancestry.

To identify genetic loci associated with depression among individuals of European descent, researchers analyzed common genetic variation in 75,607 individuals who reported receiving a diagnosis of depression or treatment for depression and 231,747 health controls of comparable ethnicity. Data were derived from individuals who purchased their own genetic profiles via the 23 and Me website and agree to participate in the website’s research initiative. These data were compared with results from a previously conducted Psychiatric Genomic Consortium genome-wide-association study of more than 20,000 individuals diagnosed with depression and controls of European descent. Follow-up consisted of an independent sample of 45,773 cases from 23 and Me and 106,354 controls.

Overall, there were 17 genetic variations associated with depression at 15 genome sites.

Researchers found evidence of overlap between genetic indications of depression and other mental illnesses.

“We hope these findings help people understand that depression is a brain disease, with it’s own biology,” study researcher Roy Perlis, MD, MSc, said in a press release. “Now comes the hard work of using these new insights to try to develop better treatments.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Perlis reports serving on scientific advisory boards for or consulting to Genomind, Healthrageous, Perfect Health, Proteus Biomedical, Psybrain, and RID Ventures and receiving royalties through Massachusetts General Hospital from Concordant Rater Systems (now Bracket). Please see the full study for a list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.