title: Gene-environment interactions in geriatric depression.
abstract: In older adults, several environmental challenges can potentially trigger the onset of an episode of major depression. Vulnerability to these challenges can be influenced by genetics. There is accumulating evidence for an interaction between stress and a serotonin transporter polymorphism, though there is also heterogeneity among studies. Other relevant genes include those encoding for the neuroendocrine stress axis, growth factors, and other monoaminergic systems. Each of these may interact with either predisposing traumas in early childhood or precipitating events later in life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3811 Ohara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. lotrichfe@upmc.edu
authors.forename: Francis E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Lotrich
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012931:Social Environment; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins