Welcome to the coordinating site for the Genetics of Recurrent Early-Onset Depression (GenRED) research study, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Do you and a family member have depression?
Please consider taking part in this nationwide research study.
You may be able to participate if:
- Your depression started by age 30
- You have had more than one period of depression in your life, and
- at least one brother, sister, or parent has also had depression.
For more information, contact our national coordinating center at Stanford University:
email: genredstudy@stanford.edu
toll-free phone: 1-877-407-9529
local phone: 650-723-3258
If you live in California, Washington, or Oregon, please click here to contact us at Stanford.
You can also participate at one of our other sites at Columbia University, Rush University, Johns Hopkins University, Howard University, or the University of Iowa.
Solving the Genetics of Major Depression
The study will create a DNA collection from over 2,000 people to permit scientists to search for depression-related genes. These scientists will not be given any information that could identify you or your family.
Benefits of Participating
- Finding relevant genes could lead to the development of better treatments.
- You will receive reimbursement for participation.
If you volunteer:
- You will be interviewed about your personal and family mental health history.
- You do not need to live near our sites. Interviews can be completed by phone and the blood draw can be coordinated in your local area.
- You will be asked for a blood specimen for DNA studies.
- Family participation is not required.
- Confidentiality is protected.
Do genes cause depression?
Studies of depression in families suggest that around 50% of the predisposition to major depression is caused by genes. People with recurrent depression that starts at a younger age have more relatives with depression. There are probably many interacting genes, rather than a single gene as in some medical disorders.
Why find these genes?
Identifying these genes would help us to understand the brain mechanisms involved in severe depression. This could lead to discovery of new treatments.
