Edinburgh Psychology Keynote Talk

Speaker: Naomi Wray (Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland)

Title: Genetics of depression: the ups and downs

Abstract: Major depression is a common disorder with likely multiple risk factors contributing to its etiology. Increased risk in family members of those affected implies a genetic contribution to etiology, albeit to a lesser degree than to the less common psychiatric disorders. Heterogeneity is inherent in the DSM criteria for diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) in which individuals may endorse a different combination of symptoms. This heterogeneity adds complexity in understanding to analysis and interpretation of data. I will give an overview of progress and challenges in depression research.

Further information

Naomi Wray is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, and Professor at the University of Queensland, Australia. She is a University of Edinburgh graduate (BSc Agricultural Science, PhD quantitative genetics in livestock). Her research intersects quantitative genetics, statistical methodology and disorders of the brain. She plays a leading role in the International Psychiatric Genomics Consortia.

Contact

Dr Richard Shillcock