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Genetic factors and treatment of mood disorders
Author(s) -
Alda Martin
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
bipolar disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.285
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1399-5618
pISSN - 1398-5647
DOI - 10.1034/j.1399-5618.2001.30606.x
Subject(s) - serotonin transporter , mood disorders , antidepressant , mood , pharmacogenetics , bipolar disorder , lithium (medication) , medicine , psychiatry , clinical psychology , bioinformatics , psychology , serotonin , genotype , genetics , anxiety , biology , gene , receptor
Objectives:This paper reviews the pharmacogenetics of mood disorders.
Methods: We have searched the literature for published studies and abstracts relevant for genetic effects in acute antidepressant treatment and in long‐term prophylactic treatment.
Results: The most promising findings to date show an association of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) gene and the response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Genetic factors also appear to play a significant role in the outcome of long‐term lithium treatment. The phenotype of lithium‐responsive bipolar disorder is associated with stronger genetic effects as well as with an increased phenotypic homogeneity.
Conclusions: Genetic factors likely influence treatment response in mood disorders. Clarifying their precise role will have implications for treatment as well as for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of these disorders.