depression study

[danaeris]

"The University of Pennsylvania is the coordinating site for this nationwide study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

"The study will create a DNA collection to permit qualified scientists to search for depression-related genes. This is the largest psychiatric genetics study ever attempted - we need more than 750 families with at least two siblings who have experienced major depression.

"If you participate, what will you be asked to do?

• Participate in an interview about your psychiatric history and family history
  
• Give a small blood sample (for DNA)*
  
• Help us to invite your family members to participate*

* Blood samples are not identified by name. No family member will be contacted without the permission and assistance of another participating family member. A Certificate of Confidentiality from the federal government ensures that all information will be strictly confidential.

Reimbursement is provided for the interview and blood sample. Please note that your location is not an issue‚ you may participate without visiting a site. Please contact us for details.

"Who can participate?

• Families with at least two adult siblings who have experienced major depression
  
• Depression must be recurrent (more than one episode)
  
• Depression must have started at age 30 or younger in one sibling, and at age 40 or younger in the other

If you are interested in participating, or would like more information, please e-mail us (kme@mail.med.upenn.edu) or call us toll-free at 1-877-407-9529. "

Comments

If I could only GET my siblings to participate

[iceblink.livejournal.com]

I am the only one with documented depression, because I am not in denial. I wish my other 3 siblings weren't in denial, because I think this sort of research is VERY valuable.

Thanks for posting the info.