Families say definite depression genetic link "a double edged sword"

Families say they'll always wonder whether or not there's a genetic link to depression, but say knowing for sure could be a "double-edged sword."

It comes as today sees the launch of the largest ever mental health study - the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression, or GLAD Study – which is calling for 40,000 people with depression or anxiety to enrol.

While it's expected that a definite genetic link would help to treat mental health issues like anxiety or depression - and stop them having more dangerous consequences, like suicide - families say it can be difficult to live with the fear that someone else could be at risk.

Shirley Smith started the If U Care Share Foundation in Chester-le-Street after her son Daniel took his own life.

Shirley said:

"I think most people that are affected by a death by suicide have major worries around the people that are left behind, and the impact it can have on them.

"I think one of the main concerns we work with is that people are extremely fearful that there is a genetic link and there are other people at risk.

"The other side to that is that if it is something that's genetic, more can be done to try and prevent and implement the appropriate medication or treatment that'll reduce the number of deaths by suicide."

Led by King’s College London and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) BioResource, researchers hope to establish the largest database of volunteers to be part of this pioneering mental health research.

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions in the UK; 1 in 3 people will experience symptoms during their lifetime. Access to psychological therapies and drug treatments such as anti-depressants is increasing, but only half of people respond well to existing treatment options. For the thousands who remain unwell, these conditions may worsen over time and can lead to relationship and employment problems, a poor quality of life and even suicide. As such, researchers urgently need more people to take part in mental health research studies.

By recruiting at least 40,000 people in England who have experienced either anxiety or depression at some point in their life, the GLAD study will provide a ‘bank’ of potential research participants for future studies on the genetic aspects of these two conditions and reduce the time-consuming process of recruiting patients for research studies.

Mental health research on this scale has never been conducted before, but is urgently needed; currently only half of people respond to mental health treatment. The study has been designed to be particularly accessible, with a view to motivating more people to take part in mental health research.

The GLAD study is open to anyone in England, aged 16 or over, who has experienced clinical anxiety and/or depression. Taking part involves just two simple steps:

Signing up to the GLAD study will also involve allowing access to your NHS medical records, providing important clinical information. This data will be held securely (in line with DNA data regulations) and will only be accessed by a limited number of approved researchers. Those who take part will receive updates twice-a-year about the progress of the research and online access to information on upcoming studies.