Study reveals new genetic risk factor for depression

By Staff Writer

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Germany have discovered a new genetic factor that contributes to major depressive disorder.

The study, which appears in the journal Neuron, is based on an examination of more than 15,000 individuals. They found a significant connection between major depression and the expression of the gene SLC6A15 in the hippocampus region of the brain.

Researchers indicated that reduced SLC6A15 expression may disturb the neuronal circuits that are associated with stress. They made this conclusion after comparing brain images of individuals with major depressive disorder and healthy subjects.

According to the study's authors, the gene appears to be responsive to medication targeting. Thus, these findings may pave the way to a new type of drug that activates SLC6A15. This could lead to a new class of anti-depressants, the researchers said.

Past studies have shown that depression can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. Adolescents who suffer from mental disorders may benefit from attending summer camps for kids, which provide a positive environment for troubled teens.