Siblings Who Suffer From Depression Needed For Genetic Study

NEW YORK City — Research has shown that parents, siblings, and children of a person with major depression, which began before the age of 30, are three to five times more likely to have major depression themselves. At the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University, researchers are beginning the second phase of a National Institute of Mental Health-funded study that will analyze the genes of depressed siblings in greater depth.

In the first phase of the multisite study, lead investigator Dr Myrna Weissman of the New York State Psychiatric Institute compared the genetic material of siblings with major depression looking for the “depression genes.”

“The results of the sibling study may eventually help shape treatment, development, and prevention of depression,” said Dr Weissman, who is a well-known researcher in the field of depression. Her studies have provided strong evidence to support genetics role in depression.

To be eligible for the study, you must be between the ages on 21 and 70 and have major depression that developed before the age of 30. You also must have a living sibling who experienced major depression before the age of 40.

Each year, more than 17 million Americans battle major depression. More debilitating than the everyday “blues” that most people feel from time to time and that is a normal response to stressful situation, major depression is often described as a long dark tunnel with no end in sight. Experts list feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in anything pleasurable as some of the symptoms of major depression.

For further information or to volunteer for the study call 212-543-6731.