Researchers Find Genes That May Be Linked To Depression

BOSTON (CBS) - Scientists have known for years that depression can run in families but how?

For the first time, researchers, including those at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital, found a treasure trove of genes that seem to be linked to depression, at least in people of European descent.

Researchers looked at data on hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom had provided their genetic profiles through services like 23andMe. They identified 15 areas of genetic variations that can affect a person's risk of developing depression.

Experts are calling it a big step closer to finding all of the genes that affect depression and being able to develop more effective treatments for the disorder.