Abstract
Variation in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been linked to various cognitive-affective
indices of stress sensitivity hypothesized to underlie vulnerability to depression. The current study examined the association
of 5-HTTLPR with appraisals of naturally occurring acute life stressors in a community sample of 384 youth at elevated risk
for depression due to oversampling for maternal depression. Interview measures administered at youth age 20 were used to assess
subjective and objective (assigned by an independent rating team) appraisals of the negative impact of recent acute stressful
life events. The presence of at least one S allele was associated with elevated subjective appraisals of the negative impact
of acute stressors (P = 0.03). Consistent with an endophenotype perspective, support was found for a 5-HTTLPR-stress appraisals-depression mediation
model both concurrently and longitudinally. Results indicate that enhanced stress sensitivity may act as an intermediate phenotype
through which 5-HTTLPR affects risk for depression.
indices of stress sensitivity hypothesized to underlie vulnerability to depression. The current study examined the association
of 5-HTTLPR with appraisals of naturally occurring acute life stressors in a community sample of 384 youth at elevated risk
for depression due to oversampling for maternal depression. Interview measures administered at youth age 20 were used to assess
subjective and objective (assigned by an independent rating team) appraisals of the negative impact of recent acute stressful
life events. The presence of at least one S allele was associated with elevated subjective appraisals of the negative impact
of acute stressors (P = 0.03). Consistent with an endophenotype perspective, support was found for a 5-HTTLPR-stress appraisals-depression mediation
model both concurrently and longitudinally. Results indicate that enhanced stress sensitivity may act as an intermediate phenotype
through which 5-HTTLPR affects risk for depression.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-011-9368-9
- Authors
- Christopher C. Conway, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, P.O. Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA
- Constance Hammen, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, P.O. Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA
- Emmanuel P. Espejo, Psychology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Naomi R. Wray, Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Laboratories, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Jake M. Najman, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Patricia A. Brennan, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916