Issues concerning feedback about genetic testing and risk of depression.

Background: Recent studies show that adverse life events have a significantly greater impact on depression onset for those with the s/s allele of the genotype for the 5-HT gene-linked promoter region. Research in genes related to risk of depression leads to the question of how this information is received by individuals.

Aims: To investigate factors related to the response to receiving one's own serotonin transporter genotype results.

Method: Predictors of the impact of receiving individual genotype data were assessed in 128 participants in a study of gene-environment interaction in depression onset.

Results: Two-thirds decided to learn their individual genotype results (receivers) and prior to disclosure this decision was associated with a perception of greater benefit from receipt of the information (P=0.001). Receivers completing the 2-week (n=76) and 3-month follow-up (n=78) generally reported feeling pleased with the information and having had a more positive experience than distress. However, distress was related to genotype, with those with the s/s allele being most affected.

Conclusions: There was high interest in, and satisfaction with, learning about one's serotonin transporter genotype. Participants appeared to understand that the gene conferred susceptibility to depression rather than a direct causal effect.