The genetic basis of depression

Since the publication of the working draft of the human genome just over a decade ago, there have been dramatic advances in our understanding of the role genetics play in both normal human functioning as well as in disease. The identification of genes, which influence an individual's susceptibility to depression, is not only an intriguing scientific endeavour in its own right, but further, if a gene can be confidently implicated in depression, then this could shed light on the aetiological processes involved in the disease. Moreover, a genetic association with depression may identify targets for consideration in the development of novel treatments for the illness. This chapter will summarise the current research into the genetic basis of depression. A number of genes of interest have been highlighted, although a genetic variant, that is unequivocally associated with increased risk for the disease, is yet to be identified. However, technologies and methodologies are evolving rapidly, and genetic approaches have helped shape how we conceptualise depression as an illness.