Anxiety & Depression 5-HTTLPR Test
Discover if you have a genetic variant that may increase your risk of anxiety and depression by affecting serotonin regulation.
Measures:
- Detects the 5-HTTLPR variant of the SLC6A4 gene
- Understand your genetic predisposition to anxiety and depression
- Gain insights into how your body processes serotonin
- Aids in optimizing mental health management
Collection methods:
Buccal swabs
$149.00
- Discreet shipping
- Accredited lab
- Secure Online Results
- Highest accuracy
- Discreet
- Results in 1-3 business days
About the test
Understanding Your Genetic Risk for Anxiety and Depression
Do you have a family history of anxiety and depression? You may have inherited a common genetic variant that affects the activity of serotonin, increasing your risk of anxiety and depression, and diminishing your response to commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants). The SLC6A4 gene encodes the 5-HTT protein that transports serotonin into the cells. Variations can occur in the 5-HTTLPR section of SLC6A4 and affect how much of the serotonin transporter is produced. The “grouchy” gene is a short version of the SLC6A4 gene, and individuals with the “grouchy” gene produce lower levels of the 5-HTT serotonin transporter.
Genetic Profile
Understanding Your Mental Health Genetic Blueprint
A simple DNA test can determine which version of the SLC6A4 gene you have inherited. This test analyzes the 5-HTTLPR region of the gene, identifying whether you carry the short or long version. Individuals with two copies of the short (“grouchy”) form are more prone to experiencing unhappiness and depression. These individuals will pass the “grouchy” variant to all of their children. On the other hand, those with two copies of the long form are less likely to experience these emotional struggles. If you are a heterozygote, possessing one copy of the short and one copy of the long form, you may experience some effects of the “grouchy” gene, and have a 50% chance of passing it to your offspring.
The “grouchy” gene increases the risk of several psychological and behavioral conditions, including:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or irritability
- Anxiety and heightened stress response
- Antisocial tendencies
- Impulsiveness and attention deficits
- Psychological disorders such as autism, depression, and bipolar disorder
- Addictive behaviors
- Reduced response to common antidepressants
- Potential association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. After being released, serotonin signals the brain to enhance mood. The serotonin transporter’s role is to move serotonin back into the neurons, allowing the brain to recycle serotonin. This transporter also helps regulate emotional responses by maintaining neural circuits between the amygdala and cingulate regions. People with the “grouchy” gene produce lower levels of the serotonin transporter, affecting these brain regions and making them more susceptible to anxiety and depression.
The SLC6A4 gene, located on chromosome 17, is inherited in pairs—one from each parent. Inheriting one or two copies of the short version of this gene (the “grouchy” version) is linked to a higher risk of depression.
Individuals with the “grouchy” variant may not respond well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression. SSRIs target the serotonin transporter, but those with the “grouchy” variant produce lower levels of this protein, reducing the effectiveness of these drugs. In such cases, alternative antidepressants may be recommended for better results.
The "Grouchy" Gene and Its Impact on Mental Health
The “grouchy” gene increases the risk of several psychological and behavioral conditions, including:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or irritability
- Anxiety and heightened stress response
- Antisocial tendencies
- Impulsiveness and attention deficits
- Psychological disorders such as autism, depression, and bipolar disorder
- Addictive behaviors
- Reduced response to common antidepressants
- Potential association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
How the Serotonin Transporter Works
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. After being released, serotonin signals the brain to enhance mood. The serotonin transporter’s role is to move serotonin back into the neurons, allowing the brain to recycle serotonin. This transporter also helps regulate emotional responses by maintaining neural circuits between the amygdala and cingulate regions. People with the “grouchy” gene produce lower levels of the serotonin transporter, affecting these brain regions and making them more susceptible to anxiety and depression.
Inheritance of the “Grouchy” Gene
The SLC6A4 gene, located on chromosome 17, is inherited in pairs—one from each parent. Inheriting one or two copies of the short version of this gene (the “grouchy” version) is linked to a higher risk of depression.
Impact on Antidepressant Response
Individuals with the “grouchy” variant may not respond well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression. SSRIs target the serotonin transporter, but those with the “grouchy” variant produce lower levels of this protein, reducing the effectiveness of these drugs. In such cases, alternative antidepressants may be recommended for better results.
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Understanding Your Mental Health Genetic Blueprint
A simple DNA test can determine which version of the SLC6A4 gene you have inherited. This test analyzes the 5-HTTLPR region of the gene, identifying whether you carry the short or long version. Individuals with two copies of the short (“grouchy”) form are more prone to experiencing unhappiness and depression. These individuals will pass the “grouchy” variant to all of their children. On the other hand, those with two copies of the long form are less likely to experience these emotional struggles. If you are a heterozygote, possessing one copy of the short and one copy of the long form, you may experience some effects of the “grouchy” gene, and have a 50% chance of passing it to your offspring.
