Genetic factors play a significant role in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) that does not respond to standard therapy, with overlaps found in genes associated with schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, cognitive traits, and body mass index (BMI). Researchers studied ECT as a surrogate for TRD, identifying genetic loci associated with ECT response and BMI. Patients with lower body weight were found to be at higher risk for treatment resistance. Understanding these genetic links may lead to new treatment avenues for TRD. Large-scale studies are underway to further investigate these genetic associations and potential treatment targets for major depressive disorder.
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Treatment-resistant depression linked to body mass index: Study
