Background:
We reported an association between the 5-HTT gene and onset of MDD following exposure to adverse life events in a longitudinal cohort of postgraduate teacher trainees (Wilhelm et al. 2006). Many cohort members expressed interest in learning of their genotype results. With permission from the UNSW HREC, cohort members were given the opportunity to learn of their results and we investigated the reasons members did or did not want to know their results and how they received the knowledge.
Method:
The 128 members who had genetic testing were sent measures prior to receiving their results covering: attitudes, perceived benefits and limitations to genetic testing; causal attributions to and perceived risk of depression onset; information needs and positive and negative affect. Follow up questionnaires were conducted at 2-week and 3-month follow up.
Results and Conclusions:
Of the 116 responding members, 82 (71%) indicated that they wanted their results, 22 (19%) declined but agreed to complete the follow up questionnaires and 12 did not wish to participate. More members expected to have the s/s genotype than was the case. There were no differences in rates of lifetime MDD diagnosis, but receivers had a later onset, fewer episodes, higher mean neuroticism scores and there was a trend towards more family MD history. All were glad to have received their genetic results and the perceived risk to depression fell across all genotype groups, with the greatest reduction for those with the s/s genotype. Implications for research and the general community will be discussed.
