Scientists have identified a gene link between emotional stress and depression.

People with a certain type of brain chemistry gene are more likely to develop depression after traumatic life events, such as a death in the family or loss of a job. A study reported in the journal Science indicates that a gene which helps regulate a brain chemical, serotonin, is found in two varieties - a long version or a short version. Dr. Stephen Soltys, (Sole-tis) chair of the psychiatry department at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains:

SOUND BITE: "The long variety is actually the normal variety and when serotoin binds it, it effectively gives the message to the nerve cell and the nerve cell responds to the chemical message. The short form does not work as well. Serotoin is not able to convey the messages as well. It turns out that because of this defect, people who have the short form of this receptor do not have the ability to handle stress as well."

Dr. Soltys says this study proves that depression has a biologic basis and requires treatment. He adds depression is a major public health problem. It is second only to heart disease in terms of disability and loss of productivity on the American workforce. Many people who suffer from depression have feelings of sadness and lethargy for long periods of time. They lose interest in normal activities and have frequent thoughts of death.

SOUND BITE: "Ah in reality, if they would come for treatment, many patients can receive relief from their depression within a few weeks to a month. Ah treatment typically consists of medication and then counseling and therapy can help the patient focus on what stresses are occurring in their life and how to remove, modify or otherwise deal with those stresses."

Individuals who have signs of depression should see their primary care physician or mental health counselor for evaluation and treatment.