The Genetics of Depression: “Look to the Environment”

1
219

A comprehensive review of research on the genetics of depression up to 2012, published online today by Psychological Bulletin, finds “a continued lack of consistency … in both candidate gene and genome-wide association studies.” The London-based researchers state that “The conflicting results are also probably, in part, a consequence of environmental factors not being considered or controlled for … We suggest that, where possible, more emphasis should be placed on the environment in molecular behavioral genetics …”

Abstract → Cohen-Woods, S., I.W. Craig, et al. “The Current State of Play on the Molecular Genetics of Depression.Psychological Medicine: online June 13, 2012

***

Mad in America hosts blogs by a diverse group of writers. These posts are designed to serve as a public forum for a discussion—broadly speaking—of psychiatry and its treatments. The opinions expressed are the writers’ own.

***

Mad in America has made some changes to the commenting process. You no longer need to login or create an account on our site to comment. The only information needed is your name, email and comment text. Comments made with an account prior to this change will remain visible on the site.

Previous articleHealing Homes
Next articlePeter Breggin Testifies for the “Zoloft Defense”
Kermit Cole
Kermit Cole, MFT, founding editor of Mad in America, works in Santa Fe, New Mexico as a couples and family therapist. Inspired by Open Dialogue, he works as part of a team and consults with couples and families that have members identified as patients. His work in residential treatment — largely with severely traumatized and/or "psychotic" clients — led to an appreciation of the power and beauty of systemic philosophy and practice, as the alternative to the prevailing focus on individual pathology. A former film-maker, he has undergraduate and master's degrees in psychology from Harvard University, as well as an MFT degree from the Council for Relationships in Philadelphia. He is a doctoral candidate with the Taos Institute and the Free University of Brussels. You can reach him at [email protected].

1 COMMENT

  1. Molecular Behavioral Genetics. This phrase sends cold chills down my spine. It sounds like the marriage of Big Ag and Big Pharma, Monsanto merged with Astra-Zeneca. The next step is to monetize this, you will be able to go to your technician and select for the behavioral traits you prefer in your kids.

    Report comment

LEAVE A REPLY