The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast
Throwback - The Bright Side of the Serotonin Gene
May 20, 2024
Psychiatrist Chris Aiken, MD, and PMHNP Kellie Newsome discuss the interplay between genetics and environmental factors in depression, focusing on the serotonin transporter gene. They explore the impact of serotonin genes on antidepressant response rates, ethnic variations, and traits like stress resilience. The podcast also highlights the correlation between genotype and sensory information processing in babies and the role of the CERT gene in treatment response for PTSD.
22:31
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The serotonin transporter gene interacts with major life stressors to impact depression risk.
- Genetic diversity in response to SSRIs varies across populations, with potential evolutionary advantages in certain groups.
Deep dives
Exploring the Caspi Study on the Interaction of Genetics and Environment in Depression Development
The podcast delves into psychologist Avshalam Kaspe's groundbreaking 2003 study that examined the interaction between genetics and environment in the development of depression. Dr. Caspi focused on the serotonin transporter gene, which has short (SS) and long (LL) alleles. The study revealed that individuals with the short arm SS allele faced a higher risk of depression only in the presence of major life stressors, while those with the long arm LL allele remained resilient. This highlighted the importance of the gene-environment interaction in shaping mental health.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
