Contributions of maltreatment and serotonin transporter genotype to depression in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Past findings on gene-by-environment (G×E) effects on depression have been mixed, leading to a debate of the plausibility of such mechanisms and methodological considerations that warrant attention. A developmental systems perspective postulates that complex, multi-level G×E effects are likely contributors to depression.

Methods

Participants from families experiencing low-income status at birth were followed over 28 years. Maltreatment was recorded prospectively using multiple means and sources. Depression was measured repeatedly using well-validated interviews in middle childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood.

Results

Findings support a G×E effect where the less efficient form of the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) c

SUBMITTER: Cutuli JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3548027 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature