Case-control study, 2002
Do women with both seasonal affective disorder and PMDD share genetic risk factors?
Yes. Women with both SAD and PMDD were significantly more likely to have a specific genetic variation and family history of mood disorders, suggesting they share genetic vulnerability to both conditions.
What they did
Case-control study genotyping 44 women with both SAD and PMDD and 43 women with SAD alone for a serotonin gene variant (5-HTTLPR). Researchers also assessed family history of affective disorders.
What they found
An association was found between PMDD and family history of affective disorders (P=0.0029) and between PMDD and the 5-HTTLPR long/short allele-heterozygosity genetic variation (P=0.033). Relatives of women with both SAD and PMDD had higher rates of affective disorders.
What it means for you
Some women may be genetically predisposed to both seasonal depression and PMDD, possibly through serotonin system dysfunction. This is a small study that needs confirmation in larger groups.
44
women with SAD and PMDD
43
women with SAD alone
P=0.0029
family history association
About the study
- Original title
- Role of family history and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in female seasonal affective disorder patients with and without premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Praschak-Rieder N, Willeit M, Winkler D et al.
- Journal
- European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 43
- What was tested
- None; genetic comparison study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0924-977x(01)00146-8
Topics
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