While affective and anxiety disorders are substantially heritable, their inheritances are complex and multifactorial. 1 It is therefore unsurprising that such etiologically heterogeneous illnesses have not easily succumbed to genetic methodologies that are further challenged by an imperfect classification system. 2 Nevertheless, investigators continue to behave as if the problems are not insoluble. Association studies of candidate genes have lately held particular appeal, at least partly since this approach connects well with the familiar view that these disorders arise from alterations in particular brain neurochemical systems.The evidence implicating brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in anxiety and affective disorders is extensive and compelling. 3,4 In the attempt to investigate whether alterations in function of brain 5-HT systems are etiologically associated with these illnesses, attention has focused on polymorphisms in genes encoding components of the serotonergic system. These genes are seen as potential candidates influencing susceptibility, course, or symptoms. Researchers are investigating variants of genes for the 5-HT synthesis pathway, the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT), and several of the numerous 5-HT receptors. Potentially important sequence variations may occur in the coding region of a gene, in gene promoters (which could affect transcription efficiency), and in intronic regions, which, while non-coding, might affect gene expression or distribution of the gene product. Some variants of serotonin system genes are common, consistent with a role in complex, polygenic disorders with relatively high population incidences.The most common research strategy used in association studies, because it is often logistically easiest, is the population-based approach. Such studies compare the frequencies of polymorphic alleles in a group of individuals with a particular psychiatric diagnosis with those in a reference population. The use of this method is now widespread. Although this strategy has important limitations (see below), initial findings have been intriguing enough to spur further research by diverse groups of investigators.A number of reports have described associations between affective disorders and polymorphisms in or near the 5-HTT gene. The 5-HTT is a major modulator
Historically, unaccompanied Southeast Asian refugee adolescents have been inadequately served by mental health professionals. The authors of this article report research findings on self‐perceived depression and isolation and implications for psychotherapy. Results indicate significant differences regarding sex, English language skills, work involvement, and self‐disclosure.
Objective: The present study examined the communication patterns between children and parents regarding substance use and abuse issues. Method: The participants for the study were 111 youth and young adults (59.8% female/40.2% male). The youth were between the ages of 13-18. Results: Findings from the study supported the hypothesis. Results demonstrated that higher family cohesion suggested lower drug use. However, findings also identified a potential gap in the communication process among parents and youth. The majority of the youth from the qualitative analysis who admitted to using drugs stated that their parents usually say, "Do not use drugs." However, their parents "have never provided open discussions about drugs." Conclusion: This project expands our knowledge on parental communication and drug use among youth. A continuation of this research would assist with providing a deeper understanding of the parent-child relationship and drug use and abuse among African American youth.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.