SUMMARY: Many scientists believe that depression can be inherited, even though finding the genes involved has been difficult. But a new study published June 16 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is raising questions about that belief.An analysis of 14 prior studies concluded the so-called "depression gene", a variant of a gene called 5-HTTLPR, may not be associated with an increased risk for depression. "Knowing whether or not you have this gene is irrelevant," says the study's co-author, Kathleen Merikangas, a genetic epidemiologist at the National Institute of Mental Health. She adds that future studies should consider the interactions of many genes rather than the actions of just one.
Duke psychologist Avashalom Caspi in 2003 did a study that found people with one or two copies of a form of 5-HTTLPR appeared to be more vulnerable to depression than other people after a stressful event such as death of a child or sudden unemployment. Subsequent studies considered the gene's role in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and neuroticism, but the results were mixed.
The new JAMA study reviewed 14 other studies involving 14,250 participants and looked for a link between 5-HTTLPR and stressful life events, but it could find none. It cautions against using 5-HTTLPR as a screening tool to determine depression risk. Some genetic-companies do use genetic markers to tell customers which antidepressant drugs may be best for them. But Merikangas cautions, "My concern is that [these tests] are being marketed to the public as if there is no question about it." She worries that some people may unnecessarily put off getting married or having children because of these tests.
Caspi, however, defends his work and cites 22 studies using both animals and humans which support the idea that the 5-HTTLPR depression genes are very vulnerable to stress. However, most genetics researchers agree that uncovering the genetic roots of depression is a complex task. "We have about 30,000 genes, and it is hard to pick just one and analyze it," says Dr. Hans Joergen Grabe of Germany. Grabe's own studies have hinted at a correlation between 5-HTTLPR and depression among the unemployed, but if that effect does exist, only rarely will it cause depression, he says.
The bottom line is that the science of linking specific genes to the disorder is still in its infancy, so nobody needs to worry that they might have genes that will doom them to a life of sorrow. Some simple treatments such as physical exercise and social relationships have been shown to help many people suffering from depression.
To read the entire article click on this TIME MAGAZINE link.
COMMENT: Some Christians who don't suffer from depression have at times expressed the belief that all one needs is a stronger faith and any depression will go away. I don't think most Christian psychologists today would agree with that belief.
Still, as this article points out, improving social relationships can help. What better way is there to do this than to strengthen the link between the church and the sufferers of depression? It certainly shouldn't hurt for patients to be reminded of the love of Christ for them and the promise of an eternity free from depression and all other ailments. Christians will want to show love and compassion for the depressed just like they do for people suffering from physical diseases. We don't know if researchers will ever be able to nail down the gene-depression link and find better medical ways to treat the disorder. However, we do know what the future holds in store for Christian believers, whether they suffer from depression or not.
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QUESTION OF THE DAY
What physical complications can appear from the use of the abortion drug RU-486?These physical complications include hemorrhage, infection, and missed ectopic pregnancy (which can be fatal). At least 8 women have died from RU-486 due to hemorrhage and infection.
Source: A Sacred Trust (Metro-Milwaukee chapter of WELS Lutherans for Life)
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