Major Depression Study Launched

Psychiatrists have long known depression can be passed genetically through families, but not precisely how. Now, the National Institute of Mental Health has launched a large-scale study to try to answer that question.

Discovery of the specific genetic sequence responsible would offer new hope for more accurate diagnoses, better treatment and the possibility for prevention of the often disabling illness that afflicts more than 17 million Americans a year, experts say. Studies show the parents, siblings and children of a person who has major depression before age 30 are more likely to have it themselves.

Researchers at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago are seeking 245 pairs of adult siblings with symptoms of major depression to participate in the study. Symptoms include a persistent sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy and fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, hopelessness or pessimism, feeling guilty or worthless, irritability and excessive crying.

Study participants will be interviewed about their history and their family's history and have a blood sample drawn. Phone interviews and local lab work can be arranged for out-of-town participants.

Other research centers participating in the study include Columbia University, New York; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; University of Pittsburgh; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and University of Iowa, Iowa City.