Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Question 1

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Aim

Answer 1

To examine the potential genetic influence of major depressive disorder (MDD) by studying children, their parents and grandparents.

Question 2

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Procedure

Answer 2

• Sample: Approx 160 grandchildren, their parents and grandparents
• Data collection over 20 years (original sample of parents and children interviewed four times during period)
  - Initial interview, 2 years, 0 years, 20 years
• Data collection from clinicians, blind t past diagnosis of depression and data collected in previous interviews
• Sample of depressed patients (now, grandparents) selected from clinic with a specialization in treatment of mood disorders, non-depressed participants selected from the same community
• Assessments during interviews included diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, IQ, overall functioning and impairment (C-GAS)

Question 3

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Findings

Answer 3

• High rates of psychiatric (ex. Anxiety or mood disorders, substance abuse) on grandchildren with two generations of MDD
• If parent was depressed but there was no history of depression in grandparents, there was no significant effect of parental depression on grandchildren
• Severity of parent’s depression was correlated with an increased rate of a mood disorder in children
• Supports genetic influence of MDD in psychiatric disorders and v=overall functioning in grandchildren
  - Impairment is factor that should be studied when looking at familial transmissions

Question 4

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Longitudinal study
• Non-biological children were removed from analysis (increasing internal validity)
• Grandchildren average age 12 years (not past age of rick for developing depression)
• Researcher triangulation increase credibility of the findings

Question 5

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Although family (kinship) studies indicate a potential genetic link to behavior, no actual genotype studied

Question 6

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Informed consent was obtained
  
  • Difficult with children who may change their mind (or not make the decision)
• Confidentiality will be very important as genetic research increases

Question 7

Weissman Et Al Study (bio)

Research Method

Answer 7

Semi-structured interview