Genetic testing and your DNA sample
Many genes have been identified that might be involved in depression and in how antidepressant drugs work, including those in several chemical pathways in the brain. We are interested in a particular gene that affects how well antidepressants like citalopram work (the 5-HT transporter) and we will compare the brain scanning results in people with different types of this gene.
DNA sample
We also ask your permission to use your DNA sample to look at other common genes that might be involved in depression. We will not be testing for rare genes that cause illnesses so we will not have information that is directly relevant to your health.
If you wish, you can take part in the rest of the study but not in the genetic study; however, it would help us more if you joined in both parts of the research. For legal purposes, your DNA sample would be regarded as ‘gifted’ to us, which means that it becomes the property of the researchers and the University.
