UCLA researchers have found that the short form of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) increases a person’s risk of depression but its influence is modulated by family environment.

Among children from supportive, nurturing families, those with the short form of the serotonin transporter gene (known as 5-HTTLPR) had a significantly reduced risk for depression
Among children from emotionally cold, unsupportive homes marked by conflict and anger, those with the short form of the 5-HTTLPR gene were at greater risk for depression

Makes sense until you take into account cultural differences and each family’s unique ways of interacting with one another. One extreme …read more