Personality traits share gene link to depression

People affected by depression may have genes associated with anxiety, worry and low mood, a study has suggested.

Scientists analysed the DNA of more than 300,000 people and found many genes linked to neuroticism – characterised by feelings of anxiety, worry and guilt. The genes are also linked to depression.

The findings help shed light on the causes of depression – which affects one in five people – and could provide information to help better diagnosis and treatment for individuals, scientists said.

University of Edinburgh researchers analysed genetic information from a group of people aged from 39 to 73, whose levels of neuroticism had been measured by a personality questionnaire. DNA analysis combined with the personality data uncovered 116 gene variations linked to neuroticism.