The serotonin transporter gene has been linked to emotional disorders. It is widely known to effect a person’s emotions and drives by permitting or inhibiting the change in levels of serotonins in the anterior hyperthalomous of the brain. The gene has three different combinations, either a short and a long version (SL), two short versions (SS) or two long versions (LL).
Professor Elaine Fox and her team from the University of Essex conducted an experiment to more closely examine the role of the serotonin transporter gene and any possible link it has on determining a person’s outlook on life.
The team asked approximately 100 people to examine pairs of cards. Each pair consisted of one neutral and one negative or positive image. The scientists monitored whether the individuals were drawn to the positive or negative images and compared this to the serotonin transporter gene allele which they possessed. The results showed that individuals who possessed two long versions of the gene were more likely to exhibit an aversion to the negative illustration and more attention to the positive material. Those with the other variations neither avoided the negative, nor were drawn to the positive images.
In a conclusive statement fox said of the LL findings “This is a key mechanism underlying resilience to general life stress”. The absence of resilience in SL and SS groups causes increased susceptibility to anxiety and depression.
Original article sited: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140466.php
