Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Genes, parenting linked to teen depression

U.S. researchers are using a new design that allows them to test the interaction of genetic and environmental liabilities concerning depression.

University of Notre Dame psychologist Gerald Haeffel and colleagues investigated whether a gene associated with dopamine interacted with maternal parenting style to predict episodes of depression.

The researchers studied 177 male adolescents from a juvenile detention center in Russia. These participants were ideal candidates because depression rates rise dramatically during adolescence, explained Haeffel.

The researchers used a structured diagnostic interview to diagnose depression and a questionnaire to assess aspects of maternal parental rearing -- physical punishment, hostility, lack of respect for the child's point of view and unjustified criticism in front of others.

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