G × E interaction and neurodevelopment II. Focus on adversities in paediatric depression: the moderating role of serotonin transporter

Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2013 Mar;22(1):21-8. doi: 10.1017/S2045796012000625. Epub 2012 Oct 31.

Abstract

In a short series of articles, we will review the evidence for genotype by environment interaction (G × E) in developmental psychopathology. We will focus specifically on the characteristics of types of exposure assessed with respect to both their methods and findings. This article aims to review the studies exploring the moderating role of serotonin transporter on the effect of environmental adversities over time, particularly during childhood and adolescence, which is when level of internalizing symptoms and prevalence of mood disorders change substantially. Environmental adversities will not include abuse and maltreatment that have been reviewed before (see Bellani et al. 2012) and child's broader social ecology that will be reviewed in the next section.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse
  • Depression*
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Gene-Environment Interaction
  • Humans
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins* / genetics

Substances

  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins