Scientists find new link between genes and stress response, depression
Monday, February 7, 2011 - 16:32
in Psychology & Sociology
Numerous studies have shown that the brain molecule neuropeptide Y (NPY) helps to restore calm after stressful events. A team of University of Michigan-led researchers has now found that people whose genes predispose them to produce lower levels of NPY are more responsive to negative stimuli in key brain circuits related to emotion and are therefore less resilient in the face of stress and may be at higher risk for developing a major depressive disorder.