5-HTTLPR moderates the relation between changes in depressive and bulimic symptoms in adolescent girls: a longitudinal study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Depression and bulimia both are associated with low serotonin levels. We examined whether the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) moderates the relation between depressive and bulimic symptoms over time.

METHOD:

Fifty adolescent girls with no current or past Axis I disorder were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR gene. Twice, 6 months apart, participants completed self-report measures of depressive symptoms and bulimic symptoms.

RESULTS:

The association between change in depressive symptoms and change in bulimic symptoms over time was significantly stronger in girls who are homozygous for the short 5-HTTLPR allele than for girls with at least one long allele.

DISCUSSION:

This finding is consistent with previous studies documenting a relation between depressive and bulimic symptoms in adolescents. Few studies, however, considered the possible role of serotonin linking both disorders. Gaining a better understanding of developmental effects of low serotonin could help to identify high-risk individuals and provide effective prevention and intervention.

• Authors: Jutta Mata, Ian H Gotlib
• Journal: The International journal of eating disorders (Int J Eat Disord) Vol. 44 Issue 5 Pg. 383-8 (Jul 2011) ISSN: 1098-108X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21661000 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins

Topics

• Adolescent
• Alleles
• Bulimia (genetics, psychology)
• Child
• Depression (genetics, psychology)
• Female
• Gene Frequency
• Genetic Association Studies
• Genotype
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Self Report
• Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins (genetics)