The serotonin transporter 5-HTTPR polymorphism is associated with current
and lifetime depression in persons with chronic psychotic disorders
by
Contreras J, Hare L, Camarena B, Glahn D, Dassori A, Medina R, Contreras S,
Ramirez M, Armas R, Munoz R, Mendoza R, Raventos H,
Ontiveros A, Nicolini H, Palmer R, Escamilla M.
Psychiatric Genetics Research Center, Department of Psychiatry,
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,
San Antonio, TX, USA.
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2008 Nov 11.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Variation in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) promoter region has been shown to influence depression in persons who have been exposed to a number of stressful life events. Method: We evaluated whether genetic variation in 5-HTTLPR, influences current depression, lifetime history of depression and quantitative measures of depression in persons with chronic psychotic disorders. This is an association study of a genetic variant with quantitative and categorical definitions of depression conducted in the southwest US, Mexico and Costa Rica. We analyzed 260 subjects with a history of psychosis, from a sample of 129 families. Results: We found that persons carrying at least one short allele had a statistically significant increased lifetime risk for depressive syndromes (P < 0.02, odds ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.10-4.20). Conclusion: The 'ss' or 'sl' genotype at the 5-HTTLPR promoter polymorphic locus increases the risk of psychotic individuals to develop major depression during the course of their illness.

5-HTTPR
Personal genomics
Depression genetics
5-HTTPR polymorphism
Selecting potential children
Mood genes and human nature
Artistic creativity/bipolar disorder
Transhumanism/Brave New World?
Dopamine dysfunction and depression
Hyperthymic and depressive temperaments
Affective temperaments and mood disorders
Gene therapy and performance enhancement
The commercialisation of pre-natal enhancement
Transhumanism (H+): toward a Brave New World?
Serotonin transporter polymorphism, mood disorders and gender

Refs
and further reading

HOME
Resources
Wireheading
BLTC Research
nootropic.com
Superhappiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Good Drug Guide
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
MDMA: Utopian Pharmacology
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World