Genetic predisposition linked to earlier depression in youth

A study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry suggests that genetic predisposition may influence the onset and intensity of depression in children and adolescents. Researchers analyzed data from 2,163 young people from São Paulo and Porto Alegre as part of the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions (BHRC).

Using polygenic risk scores (MDD-PRS) to account for thousands of DNA variations, the study found that individuals with a higher genetic risk showed more elevated depressive symptoms at the start of the follow-up and a faster progression of symptoms over time. Researchers emphasized that depression is a multifactorial condition and that genetics do not strictly determine the outcome, as environmental and social factors also play critical roles.