Genetics and Depression

Depression is one of the most common conditions affecting millions of people across the world. Scientists have been conducting intense research on this mental illness and have recently discovered evidence that genetics and depression may be linked. Two research groups, one from the United States and one from the British-led international team found the same DNA region that is directly associated with depression. This is a rare occurrence in genetics and depression research where an entirely different set of people show the same results.

Further Research Will Help Scientists Track Down Depression Gene

Researchers and scientists are working hard to identify and separate the gene responsible for depression and panic disorder causes.  If they do this, it will be of great help in developing an effective treatment for this condition. Currently, medications prescribed by doctors’ work well only for fifty per cent of the patients. According to researchers, these findings will lead the way and help them locate the specific depression gene that is altered because of this condition. Genetics and depression research has come a long way with researchers strongly believing that genes play a major role.

Genetics And Depression – When Will Patients Benefit From The Findings

It may take years before actual benefits of this research reach the patients. At least ten to fifteen years may go by before any relevant drug is developed and introduced into the market based on the current genetic research and studies on depression. Research findings however will help scientists gain a deep insight into what happens at the molecular and genetic levels along with depression and alcoholism in people suffering from depression and this in turn paves way for further genetics and depression research.

Strong Link Between Genetics And Depression

At least 800 families with recurrent depression were studied by the first group of researchers while the second group studied families from Finland and Australia. Both the teams reported finding a strong link between genetic variation in the chromosome 3p25-26 region of the brain and depression. Replication of the same findings in two different groups shows great promise and also proves that we are closer to identifying the specific depression gene. At least 20 per cent of people across the world are suffering from major depression. In Wales and England alone, 100 million working days a year are lost due to depression, says a 2006 study.

Giant Strides In Depression Research Brings Hope

If the on-going research could identify the gene responsible for this condition and develop a strong line of treatment, it could bring down these figures drastically. Scientists are making impressive progress meandering through the maze of depression influences. This is definitely a major step towards understanding this life-debilitating condition at the molecular and genetic levels. Teams of researchers continue to study the effect of genes on depression. Hopefully this will pave way for further research and development in the field and subsequently help devise potent and effective treatment that will bring hope for millions of sufferers. Depression definitely seems to be on the verge of being understood. It is only a matter of time before we start treating it as common cold.