Volunteers sought for genetics of depression study
Researchers are seeking adults who've been treated for depression to join a global investigation of the genetic origins of an illness affecting one in seven Australians.
Depression is a complex illness that often occurs in families, and is typically caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Co-investigator of the Australian arm of the study, said: 鈥渨e now understand from modern neuroscience, brain imaging, brain scans and other studies, that the brain changes during clinical depression.
高清福利片 volunteers will be making a genuine contribution to better understanding, and helping us to solve this devastating illness.鈥�
鈥淲hat we don鈥檛 understand, however, are the genetic causes in brain development that put you at risk of developing clinical depression.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we need Australian adults who have, or are continuing to be treated for clinical depression by a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist, and understand how disabling and potentially life-threatening this illness can be, to help us find the genetic causes.聽
鈥淧articipating in this groundbreaking study is free and easy. Volunteers simply complete a 15 minute online survey, and, depending on their responses, may be asked to donate a saliva sample,鈥� Professor Hickie said.
鈥湼咔甯＠� volunteers will be making a genuine contribution to better understanding, and helping us to solve this devastating illness.鈥� 聽
The Australian study鈥檚 lead investigator, Professor Nick Martin of the聽, said the research team is seeking 20,000 Australian male and female volunteers aged 18 and above, who are currently being treated, or have been treated in the past for clinical depression.
鈥淲e are aiming to identify genetic factors that influence why various treatments for clinical depression are successful for some people, but not for others. 聽
鈥淚dentification of the genes that predispose people to clinical depression could revolutionise future research into causes, treatment and prevention of the illness,鈥� Professor Martin said.
The researchers will analyse DNA from saliva samples to identify genes that may be associated with depression. Using a process called 鈥榞enome-wide association scans鈥�, the researchers will look for genetic similarities and differences that may explain why some people experience depression, and others don鈥檛.
To volunteer for the Australian Genetics of Depression 高清福利片, or to learn more,聽.