Major Depression, 5HTTLPR Genotype, Suicide and Antidepressant Influences on Thalamic Volume

This study sought to determine whether the total thalamus & major subregions are altered in size in major depressive disorder & in relation to the 5HTTLPR genotype. The influence of 5HTTLPR genotype, psychiatric diagnosis, suicide, & other clinical factors on the volume of the entire post-mortem thalamus was investigated. Major depressive disorder, SERT-ss genotype, & suicide emerged as independent factors contributing to an enlargement of the total thalamus. The 5HTTLPR genetic variation may affect behaviour & psychiatric conditions, in part, by altering the anatomy of the thalamus. (27 refs.)