The genetics of neurotic-reactive depression: a reanalysis of Shapiro's (1970) twin study using diagnostic criteria. 1990

S A Englund, and D N Klein
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign 61820.

The present study explored the role of genetic factors in the development of neurotic depression. Case studies of 16 monozygotic (MZ) and 14 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins from Robert Shapiro's 1970 study of non-endogenous depression were rediagnosed by two raters blind to the zygosity and identity of each twin. Diagnoses were made using Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) and George Winokur's 1985 criteria for neurotic-reactive depression. When neurotic depression was operationally defined using Winokur's criteria plus RDC major or definite minor depression, the concordance rate for MZ twins was significantly greater than that for DZ twins. Our results contrast with Shapiro's negative findings, probably due to our use of formal diagnostic criteria and Shapiro's requirement that cotwins be hospitalized to be considered concordant. The present results suggest that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of at least some forms of neurotic depression.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D003718 Denmark A country in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. The capital is Copenhagen. Faeroe Islands,Faroe Islands
D003866 Depressive Disorder An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent. Depression, Endogenous,Depression, Neurotic,Depression, Unipolar,Depressive Syndrome,Melancholia,Neurosis, Depressive,Unipolar Depression,Depressions, Endogenous,Depressions, Neurotic,Depressions, Unipolar,Depressive Disorders,Depressive Neuroses,Depressive Neurosis,Depressive Syndromes,Disorder, Depressive,Disorders, Depressive,Endogenous Depression,Endogenous Depressions,Melancholias,Neuroses, Depressive,Neurotic Depression,Neurotic Depressions,Syndrome, Depressive,Syndromes, Depressive,Unipolar Depressions
D004200 Diseases in Twins Disorders affecting TWINS, one or both, at any age. Diseases in Twin,Twin, Diseases in,Twins, Diseases in,in Twin, Diseases,in Twins, Diseases
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000275 Adjustment Disorders Maladaptive reactions to identifiable psychosocial stressors occurring within a short time after onset of the stressor. They are manifested by either impairment in social or occupational functioning or by symptoms (depression, anxiety, etc.) that are in excess of a normal and expected reaction to the stressor. Anniversary Reaction,Depression, Reactive,Reactive Disorders,Transient Situational Disturbance,Adjustment Disorder,Anniversary Reactions,Depressions, Reactive,Disorder, Adjustment,Disorder, Reactive,Disorders, Adjustment,Disorders, Reactive,Disturbance, Transient Situational,Disturbances, Transient Situational,Reaction, Anniversary,Reactions, Anniversary,Reactive Depression,Reactive Depressions,Reactive Disorder,Situational Disturbance, Transient,Situational Disturbances, Transient,Transient Situational Disturbances
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D012307 Risk Factors An aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle, environmental exposure, inborn or inherited characteristic, which, based on epidemiological evidence, is known to be associated with a health-related condition considered important to prevent. Health Correlates,Risk Factor Scores,Risk Scores,Social Risk Factors,Population at Risk,Populations at Risk,Correlates, Health,Factor, Risk,Factor, Social Risk,Factors, Social Risk,Risk Factor,Risk Factor Score,Risk Factor, Social,Risk Factors, Social,Risk Score,Score, Risk,Score, Risk Factor,Social Risk Factor

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