Figure 13 5HTT genotype (ss, sl or ll), the number of stressful life events and incidence of depression (a) Depression at age 26 years as a function of the number of stressful life events experienced between 21–26 years and 5HTT genotype. Those with ss or sl genotypes who experienced 3 or >3 stressors were statistically significantly more likely to be depressed at 26 years than those with similar genotypes who had experienced only 0–2 stressors; (b) Depression between 18–26 years as a function of level of maltreatment in childhood and 5HTT genotype. Those with ss or sl genotypes who experienced childhood maltreatment were statistically significantly more likely to be depressed between 18–26 years than those who were not maltreated in childhood. * denotes a statistically significant difference.
6.1 The serotonin transporter gene and vulnerability to stressful life events