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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
05:42
The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior
Published on: March 2, 2015
Issues concerning feedback about genetic testing and risk of depression
Kay Wilhelm1, Bettina Meiser, Philip B Mitchell
1School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, and Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. kwilhelm@stvincents.com.au
Summary
Individuals interested in their serotonin transporter genotype (5-HTTLPR) generally had positive experiences receiving results. However, those with the s/s allele reported more distress, indicating a nuanced genetic influence on depression risk perception.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Molecular Psychiatry
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Adverse life events disproportionately impact depression onset in individuals with the 5-HTTLPR s/s genotype.
- Understanding individual responses to genetic risk information for depression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing how individuals respond to receiving their serotonin transporter genotype results.
- To assess the psychological impact of genetic testing for depression susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- 128 participants in a gene-environment interaction study on depression onset were assessed.
- Predictors of the impact of receiving individual genotype data were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds chose to learn their genotype; this decision correlated with perceived benefit.
- Most receivers reported positive experiences, though distress was linked to the s/s genotype.
- Follow-up assessments at 2 weeks and 3 months indicated sustained satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- High interest and satisfaction were observed regarding serotonin transporter genotype disclosure.
- Participants understood the genotype indicates susceptibility, not a direct causal link to depression.
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