Understanding the causes of major depression through genetic and environmental factors
Official title: Risk Pathways to Major Depression: Integrating Genetic-Epidemiological, Developmental, and Molecular Genetic Strategies in Danish and Swedish National Registers
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11108510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes and life experiences work together to cause major depression, using data from Denmark and Sweden, to help find better ways to prevent and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,104 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139865-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of major depression or related disorders, as well as those experiencing significant life stressors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of major depression or who are not experiencing environmental stressors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex causes of major depression by examining how genetic and environmental factors interact over time. Using comprehensive data from national registers in Denmark and Sweden, the study aims to identify specific genetic risk profiles and environmental stressors that contribute to the development of depression. The research team will utilize innovative methods, such as Family Genetic Risk Scores, to analyze the genetic backgrounds of individuals and their families. By understanding these risk pathways, the research hopes to provide insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for major depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification of individuals at risk for major depression and more effective prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to mental health conditions, making this approach both promising and relevant.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kendler, Kenneth Seedman — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Kendler, Kenneth Seedman
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Trans-Nordic look at extreme major depression genetics
A large genetics study is exploring what makes extreme forms of major depression unique, by studying many thousands of people and their DNA.
-
Genetic factors behind alcohol and opioid use disorders and depression in veterans
A study using genetic data from veterans to understand how genes contribute to co-occurring alcohol use, prescription opioid use, and depression.
-
Global Deep Learning effort to predict depression treatment response
A patient-focused project uses AI on brain scans to predict who with major depression will respond to rTMS treatment.
-
Understanding immune dysfunction and social stress in veterans with depression
A study in U.S. veterans with major depressive disorder looks at how stress-related immune changes may be linked to depression and heart health.
-
Risk pathways to major depression using big Danish and Swedish data
A large study using health and genetic data from Denmark and Sweden will help understand what genetic and environmental factors contribute to major depression across how people grow up.
-
Understanding genetic and environmental pathways to major depression in Nordic health records
A large study will look at how genes and life experiences combine over time to influence major depression, using Danish and Swedish population data.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.