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Depression Propensity and Optimism Depends on Oxytocin Receptor Variant
Last reviewed: 23.11.2021
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Stress-resistance, optimism, the level of self-esteem and the willpower of a person depend on the presence of a specific variant of the oxytocin receptor gene, say scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (USA).
The researchers stated that they had discovered a "gene of optimism". As it turned out, this is the oxytocin receptor gene. It is already known that oxytocin is responsible for the development of maternity, there are also data on its role in the development of human social behavior and empathy, it is involved in acquiring and improving social skills.
The effect of oxytocin depends on the availability of appropriate oxytocin receptors on the cell surface. Earlier, scientists reported the presence of two variations of the gene of these receptors: A-version, when in a certain area of DNA is adenine and the G-version, when a certain section of DNA is guanine. Researchers believe that the presence of this or that variant of the gene can form the appropriate psychological profile of a person: resistance to stress, propensity to depression, etc.
In this study, there were 326 volunteers who had previously undergone psychological tests. Psychologists assessed the following parameters: the level of self-esteem, optimism, willpower and propensity to depressive states. After evaluating the results of psychological tests, molecular genetics began. A thorough genetic analysis of the DNA samples of each participant was carried out.
Those participants who had adenine in the ostiocin receptor gene were more prone to depression. And those who have found guanine - were more resistant to stress, differed high self-esteem, greater willpower and optimistic mood.
Thus, the propensity to depressive states can be related to how the cells of the nervous system react to oxytocin and the receptor variant to it.
Researchers in their report emphasize that different variants of the oxytocin receptor do not affect a person's ability to cope with stress. Therefore, the knowledge of parents about the presence in the child of a "depressive variant" of the oxytocin gene enables them to bring up from the very childhood such qualities as the ability to avoid stressful situations, cope with them, etc.