Issues concerning feedback about genetic testing and risk of depression.
BACKGROUND
Recent studies show that adverse life events have a significantly greater impact on depression onset for those with the s/s allele of the genotype for the 5-HT gene-linked promoter region. Research in genes related to risk of depression leads to the question of how this information is received by individuals.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate factors related to the response to receiving one's own serotonin transporter genotype results.


METHODS
Predictors of the impact of receiving individual genotype data were assessed in 128 participants in a study of gene-environment interaction in depression onset.


RESULTS
Two-thirds decided to learn their individual genotype results (receivers) and prior to disclosure this decision was associated with a perception of greater benefit from receipt of the information (P=0.001). Receivers completing the 2-week (n=76) and 3-month follow-up (n=78) generally reported feeling pleased with the information and having had a more positive experience than distress. However, distress was related to genotype, with those with the s/s allele being most affected.


CONCLUSIONS
There was high interest in, and satisfaction with, learning about one's serotonin transporter genotype. Participants appeared to understand that the gene conferred susceptibility to depression rather than a direct causal effect.
Wilhelm
Kay
K
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, and Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. kwilhelm@stvincents.com.au
Meiser
Bettina
B
Mitchell
Philip B
PB
Finch
Adam W
AW
Siegel
Jennifer E
JE
Parker
Gordon
G
Schofield
Peter R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033283:Patient Access to Records / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D055815:Young Adult
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins