Genetics of Recurrent Early-Onset Depression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This nationwide study will create a DNA collection to permit qualified scientists to search for depression-related genes. More than 750 families with at least two siblings who have experienced major depression are needed for the study. Participants will be interviewed about psychiatric and family history, and will be asked to provide a small blood specimen. The identification of predisposing genes can lead to greater understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in severe depression which can in turn lead to the discovery of new treatments. A Certificate of Confidentiality from the federal government ensures that all information will be strictly confidential. Blood specimens are identified only by code number (not by name). Reimbursement is provided.

Detailed Description
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Studies of patterns of major depression in families suggest that 50 to 70% of the predisposition to major depression is caused by genes. People with recurrent depression and earlier ages of onset have more relatives with depression. There are probably at least several interacting genes, rather than a single gene as in some disorders. The identification of predisposing genes is likely to lead to greater understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in severe depression. This could lead to the discovery of new treatments. This study will create a DNA collection to permit qualified scientists to search for depression-related genes. More than 750 families with at least two siblings who have experienced major depression are needed for the study. Participants in this study will be interviewed about psychiatric and family history, and will be asked for a small blood specimen. Interviews can be conducted in person or by telephone. For telephone interviews, blood sample collection will be arranged at a location and time convenient for the participant. Participants will also be asked for help in inviting other family members to participate. No family member will be contacted without the permission and assistance of another participating family member. For information on a related study, please follow this link: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00260182

Official Title
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Genetics of Recurrent Early-Onset Depression

Conditions
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Depression

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Families that have at least TWO ADULT SIBLINGS (brother/brother; sister/sister; brother/sister) who have experienced major depression. Depression must be RECURRENT (more than one episode). Depression must have started at age 30 or less in one sibling, and at age 40 or less in the other sibling. Exclusion Criteria: Participants cannot have Bipolar I (manic-depressive) disorder or schizophrenia.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Probands and family members<br>Individuals with major depressive disorder who meet study criteria, and members of their families. No intervention. This is a genetic study only. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Major depressive disorder | Participants will attend an interview regarding personal and family history of psychiatric disorders, and give a blood specimen. Genotypes from blood samples will be studied for genetic linkage (within families) with the presence of major depressive disorder. | One patient interview session (typically 2 hours), and blood draw (10-20 minutes) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Severity of Illness Index, Depression, Depressive Disorder, Family, Genes, Genetic Techniques, Genetics, Linkage (Genetics), Nuclear Family, Recurrence