Depression hope after gene breakthrough

SCOTS scientists have identified nearly 80 genes linked to depression in a major breakthrough that could lead to better treatment for a condition that will affect up to one in five during their lifetime.

A University of Edinburgh team scanned the DNA of 300,000 people to find areas of the genetic code related to depression.

Out of more than 7.6 million genetic variants, they found 78 genes relevant to the condition.

These could explain triggers for depression and help develop better treatments.

Drugs could be used to block the effects of genes thought to cause the condition, or mimic those which may be beneficial in preventing it.

Dr David Howard, lead author of the report, published in the journal Nature Communications, said: ‘This study identifies genes that potentially increase our risk of depression, adding to the evidence that it is partly a genetic disorder.

‘The findings provide new clues to the causes of depression and we hope it will narrow down the search for therapies.’

Previous studies have found that 37 per cent of our chances of developing major depression come from our genes.

Life events, such as trauma and stress, can also bring on the condition.

The Edinburgh scientists used information from UK Biobank, a genetic database of 500,000 people, to check their DNA for links to mental health.

They selected people with self-reported nerves, anxiety, tension and depression and major depressive disorder, then looked for clues in their genetic make-up which linked this group.

Professor Andrew McIntosh, who leads the research team, said: ‘Depression is a common and often severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

‘These new findings help us better understand the causes of depression and show how the UK Biobank study and big data research has helped advance mental health research.

‘We hope that the UK’s growing health data research capacity will help us to make major advances in our understanding of depression in coming years.’

Mixed anxiety and depression is estimated to be the cause of one in five British sick days. Depression is also the second leading cause of disability worldwide.