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Changes in genetic and environmental influences on depressive symptoms across adolescence and young adulthood
Jennifer Y F Lau1, Thalia C Eley
1Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health,15K North Drive, Room 211, Bethesda, MD 20892-2670, USA. lauj@mail.nih.gov
Background:
Depression rises markedly in adolescence, a time when increased and new genetic influences have been reported.
Aims:
To examine'new'and'stable' genetic and environmental factors on depressive symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood.
Method:
A questionnaire survey investigated a sample of twin and sibling pairs at three time points over an approximately 3-year period. Over 1800 twin and sibling pairs reported depressive symptoms at the three time points. Data were analysed using multivariate genetic models.
Results:
Depressive symptoms at all time points were moderately heritable with substantial non-shared environmental contributions. Wave 1 genetic factors accounted for continuity of symptoms at waves 2 and 3. 'New'genetic effects at wave 2 also influenced wave 3 symptoms. New non-shared environmental influences emerged at each time point.
Conclusions:
New genetic and environmental influences may explain age-related increases in depression across development.
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