Genetic risks for depression differ between East Asian and European groups

Specific genes increase the risk of developing depression, according to a new study led by UCL researchers, which also shows that the genes associated with depression vary depending on ancestry group. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry , is the largest study into the genetic risks of depression conducted in non-European populations. Using data from East Asian populations, mostly from China, the researchers identified five new gene variants linked to depression but found that the genes linked to depression are different for European and East Asian groups. For example, people of East Asian descent with higher body mass index are less likely to develop depression, contrary to findings for people of European descent. Previous studies have identified potential genes involved in depression, but most of these studies looked only at white populations. The new study provides a better understanding of the underlying biology of depression by identifying differences in the way genes and depression are linked in different populations. Lead author Professor Karoline Kuchenbäcker (UCL Psychiatry) said: "We were surprised to find many differences in the depression genes for Europeans and East Asians, which shows the need to increase the diversity of samples in these types of studies and to be cautious about generalising findings about genes in causing depression.