The Genetics of Depression: “Look to the Environment”

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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

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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.

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Kermit Cole
Kermit Cole is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He and his partner, Luisa Putnam, joined by their mutual interest in working with trauma and psychosis, studied Open Dialogue in Finland and Peer-supported Open Dialogue in the UK in order to practice and teach as a team. In 2011, they joined with Robert Whitaker to found the Mad in America website

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.

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