Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Question 1

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate a difference in the heritability of major depressive disorder between men and women.

Question 2

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Procedure

Answer 2

• Over 40,000 individuals were interviewed including over 15,000 complete pairs (both twins were interviewed). All participants were part of the Swedish Twin Registry.
• Major lifetime depression was assessed in a personal telephone interview according to modified DSM-IV criteria
  
  • Participants who stated that they had taken antidepressants were not asked the questions related to major lifetime depression but were given the “diagnosis” for this particular study

Question 3

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Findings

Answer 3

• Heritability of major depression was 38%
• Correlations for major lifetime depression were higher in MZ twins than in DZ twins
• Correlations for female-female twins were higher than male-male twins (44% vs 31%)
• Supports a genetic influence on major depressive order
• Supports hypothesis that there are sex differences in the genetic risk factors for major depressive disorder

Question 4

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Large, representative sample of Sweden
• Provides data triangulation for findings of other twin studies

Question 5

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Interviews were conducted at one point and time
• Participants might experience depression later in their lives
• Differences between female and male participants may be related to culture rather than actual prevalence of depression

Question 6

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Confidentiality will be very important as genetic research increases
• Verbal consent was obtained before the interview

Question 7

Kendler Et Al Study (bio)

Research Method

Answer 7

Correlation study or structured interview