Friday, April 27, 2018

Depression: Pioneering study pinpoints 44 genetic culprits


         From a new study it was found that the genetic data of thousands of participants identified 44 genetic loci linked with the risk of depression. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Some risk factors of depression are the combinations of biological, environmental, and of a psychological nature. Inherited genetic variations are apart of the biological factors, however before this study researchers have had a hard time pinpointing which genetic locations in our DNA are directly linked with having a higher risk of depression. 

       The researchers managed to access and analyze seven different sets of genetic data, as well as identified 44 genetic loci that are linked with the risk of depression. Of these 44, 30 of them were not known before to be risk factors. The study resulted in them discovering that there are 153 genes linked with depression. This could lead to the improvement of  treatments for this condition.
        In my opinion these results are very important and could have large impact on future studies. Being in college there are many students that get over whelmed with school work and end up becoming depressed. It affects many people all around us. The results of this study can lead to further studies for developing better treatments that target genetic factors involved in depression. This can be the beginning of finding a way to prevent major depression. 

Link to article:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321652.php
Link to more information:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/depression-causes-symptoms-treatments-8933









5 comments:

  1. I think this is really important and interesting! I didn't know that there are 153 genes linked to depression. Maybe this would lead to further studies about inheritance of a risk for depression, or further information about family histories of depression.

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  2. This is study is very important, especially in society today. Many individuals are diagnosed with depression, so it is ideal to know that there are numerous genes that link to this cause. Furthering this study can help prevent the cause.

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  3. It is amazing that scientists have understood more about depression in our genetics. Studies like this serve a great importance, because new treatment options can be made available, which could save someones life one day. It is also important to know your family history of depression and to be on the look put for any symptoms you may develop.

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  4. It's hard for some people to be diagnose with depression, and most times slip under the radar without being treated. With the new research linking 153 genes to depression, this could possibly lead to diagnosing people better with real genetic testing. I am curious to see further research.

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  5. It very interesting to see that this many genes are associated with depression. Hopefully this will have pharmaceutical companies researching better treatment options in accordance with physicians and specialists.

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