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Current perspectives on the genetics of unipolar depression

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Abstract

Evidence regarding the heritability of unipolar depression is evaluated. The data reviewed here support the involvement of genetic factors in the etiology of unipolar depression and its suitability for independent genetic inquiry, despite our inability to identify the mode(s) of transmission or identify a candidate locus. Continued progress in testing etiologic hypotheses requires (a) clarification of the mode of transmission; (b) resolution of phenotypic and potential genotypic heterogeneity; (c) general agreement on a “gold standard” for assessment of the unipolar phenotype; (d) the continued application of available quantitative methods to take into account the effects of ascertainment bias, sex effects, cohort effects, and variable/late age at onset; and (e) incorporation of quantitative indicators correlated with liability in multivariate analysis to improve the stability/validity of phenotypic determinations in segregation and linkage analysis. We present several recommendations regarding the extension of current methodologies in human population and quantitative genetics to help resolve these issues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 216 South Kingshighway Boulevard, 63110, St. Louis, Missouri

    Steven O. Moldin, Theodore Reich & John P. Rice

  2. Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, 216 South Kingshighway Boulevard, 63110, St. Louis, Missouri

    Steven O. Moldin, Theodore Reich & John P. Rice

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This research was supported in part by NIMH Research Training Grant MH-14677 to Dr. Moldin, NIMH Grants MH-37685, MH-31302, MH-24530, and MH-43028 to Dr. Rice, and NIMH Grant MH-45522 to Dr. Reich.

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Moldin, S.O., Reich, T. & Rice, J.P. Current perspectives on the genetics of unipolar depression. Behav Genet 21, 211–242 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01065817

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