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from Was abused child in the Family Monday, May 08, 2006 - 09:52 (Agree/Disagree?) Thank you for posting this article. Very interesting. While I suspect that I have the genetic variation of 5-HTT that is less protective (maybe the medium-risk one), I can identify certain coping behaviors that I believe have helped me not end up much, much worse (for now). The author of the article does a great job of taking things in context and avoiding a simplistic approach. As she notes: "Kaufman, too, warns that finding out which variation of 5-HTT you carry is not like getting a diagnosis. The short allele increases vulnerability across a large group rather than exposing any one person who has it. Other genes, as well as relationships, contribute. "Think about it as one factor on a scale," Kaufman says. "It can tip the scale toward depression or away from it. But other factors can tip the scale, more powerfully, in the opposite direction."" (reply to this comment)

From Red Monday, May 08, 2006, 15:28 (Agree/Disagree?) Hi "Was abused child in the Family". I'm glad you found it interesting. I'm fascinated with the degree to which genes predestine our life, especially our mental state, which we often think (or were at least taught to believe as children) we have control over. I agree, though, that it is important to see it in perspective with how the choices we make and our relations to people also have a great bearing on our state of mind. I'm sorry for your struggle with your past. I hope that you can find a way to peace of mind. In the mean time gaining information about what you suffer and why may hopefully alleviate the pain somewhat. I wish you the best. :-) (reply to this comment)