Gene May Explain Increased Risk for Depression

People who have a variant gene and experienced a high level of stress were more likely to experience depression, a new study suggests. Researchers looked at the genes of nearly 2,361 white people from the United Kingdom and Hungary. They asked them about past and recent life events. These included childhood abuse or neglect, financial problems and illnesses. The participants were also assessed for current depression and anxiety. The researchers found that people with genetic variations in a brain chemical called galanin were more likely to be depressed and anxious after stressful life events. Galanin seems to have a role in pain, sleeping, waking mood and blood pressure. It’s suspected to also play a role in stress and anxiety disorders. The results may help develop new drugs to treat depression and anxiety.