title: Life events, first depression onset and the serotonin transporter gene.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A relationship between the serotonin transporter gene, adverse events and onset of major depression has been reported.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To replicate a gene x environment interaction in a cohort with longitudinal data for life events, experience of depression, parental bonding and neuroticism.
  
  
  METHODS
  At the 25-year follow-up, genomic DNA was obtained from 127 cohort members (mean age 48 years) to determine the genotype of the serotonin transporter gene-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR). Associations were investigated between the 5-HTTLPR genotype, positive and adverse life events and the gene x environment interaction, and also between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and risk factors for depression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No relationship was found between 5-HTTLPR genotype and either risk factors for depression or positive life events. Adverse life events had a significantly greater impact on the onset of depression for individuals with the s/s genotype.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 5-HTTLPR genotype is a significant predictor of onset of major depression following multiple adverse events. This is one of the more robust findings concerning specific biological risk factors for depression.
authors.affiliation: Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Level 4, DeLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia. kwilhelm@stvincents.com.au
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
authors.forename: Philip B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Niven
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finch
authors.forename: Lucinda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wedgwood
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scimone
authors.forename: Ian P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Blair
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Schofield
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D009769:Object Attachment; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins