Genes, parenting linked to teen depression

U.S. researchers are using a new design that allows them to test the interaction of genetic and environmental liabilities concerning depression.

University of Notre Dame psychologist Gerald Haeffel and colleagues investigated whether a gene associated with dopamine interacted with maternal parenting style to predict episodes of depression.

The researchers studied 177 male adolescents from a juvenile detention center in Russia. These participants were ideal candidates because depression rates rise dramatically during adolescence, explained Haeffel.

The researchers used a structured diagnostic interview to diagnose depression and a questionnaire to assess aspects of maternal parental rearing—physical punishment, hostility, lack of respect for the child’s point of view and unjustified criticism in front of others.

This study, published in Psychological Science, found neither factor alone predicted depression, but boys with especially rejecting mothers and a specific form of the dopamine transporter gene were at higher risk for major depression and suicidal ideation.

United Press International

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