Blue Gene

Are you at risk for being blue? Just one gene might hold a clue.

Scientists have found a gene that predisposes a person to depression in the presence of long-term stressful life events, including debt.

In this study, 43 percent of people with this gene fell into depression in the presence of a long-term stressful event. Of the people without this gene, only 15 percent developed depression.

The gene in question is a serotonin transporter. In one group, the gene is “shorter” and more “sensitive” than the other.

The 2003 study tracked a group of New Zealanders as they grew up and experienced troubles in employment, finances, relationships, and other stressful major life events.