July 2003 PMID 12869766

Influence of life stress on depression: moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene.

Avshalom Caspi, Karen Sugden, Terrie E Moffitt, Alan Taylor, Ian W Craig, HonaLee Harrington, Joseph McClay, Jonathan Mill, Judy Martin, Antony Braithwaite, Richie Poulton

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Mentions

177
Peak: 3 in May 2019
across 5 sources since May 2019

Extended reach

204,256
potential audience

Total likes

1,839

Video views

27,597

Mentions per month

May 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News113 articles
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  • X / Twitter25 posts
  • Facebook3 posts
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions consistently highlight the importance of Caspi et al.'s 2003 study, with posts referencing its high citation count and its role in advancing understanding of gene-environment dynamics in depression. The tone and word choice, such as 'fascinating' and 'well-regarded,' reflect enthusiasm and recognition of the article's scientific impact, demonstrating its significance within the field of genetics and mental health.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the research, citing the influential 2003 study and its implications for understanding gene-environment interactions in depression.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high interest, referencing the high citation count and ongoing relevance of the research, with phrases like 'fascinating' and mentions of its impact over time.

EngagementModerate engagement

Some posts delve into broader implications, such as how genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors, reflecting a moderate level of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions indicate the research has notable influence, with mentions of its citation frequency and its role in shaping further studies.

Abstract in brief

  • The study examined how stressful life events can lead to depression, focusing on the role of a specific gene (5HTT) that affects serotonin transport.
  • People with one or two copies of the short allele of the 5HTT gene were found to have higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and symptoms when exposed to stress compared to those with two long alleles.
  • The findings highlight a gene-environment interaction, meaning a person's genetic makeup can influence how they respond to stressful life experiences, affecting their risk of depression.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Radwan
@redwan98_ · X

4️⃣ الخلاصة؟ فيه جينات تلعب دور في العصبية والسعادة. بس ما يعني إنك ما تقدر تتغير. أسلوب حياتك، طريقة تفكيرك، والبيئة تفرق كثير. #علم_الجينات MAOA gene https://t.co/YJahrfKG5x HTTLPR and depression https://t.co/PeRiZRkDmW https://t.co/zwGKiNTMaN

Jul 23, 2025 · 4 likes · 674 followers View post →
Awais Aftab
@awaisaftab · X

@gikkos1 @RyznarMD @dawso007 @claire_hilton6 @DrPPRam @ProfRobHoward @SameiHuda I’m interpreting “practice” broadly to include research & our conceptual worldviews. My pick would be: Caspi et al 2003 paper in Science. “Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene” Cited 9,684 times! /1 https://t.co/GqyQkY84Xy

Jan 6, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 24,278 followers View post →
Josh Nicholson
@joshmnicholson · X

@mkonnikova You might be interested in checking out https://t.co/puezc3y9ty, we allow anyone to see if a scientific report has been supported or contradicted. You can see one of the main studies in this story has been contradicted 13 times https://t.co/YbJxSELKpc

May 20, 2019 · 3 likes · 1,660 followers View post →
Roy Perlis
@royperlis · X

20 years ago: https://t.co/1hF4SuGgOp GxE is the gift that keeps on giving...

Jan 14, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,477 followers View post →
Kerry Wilkins, MD
@KerryWilkinsMD · X

@docinthecity @criley_md @drjessigold @DrHowardLiu @_HarryPaul_ @spaul1124 @md_pender @AmyGraham36 @KazJNelson @Doctor_David @ChaseSamsel @DrvanTilburg @drwendysimon @NIMHgov Yes - Caspi's work, from original to present, is well-regarded. Caspi et al (Science 2003.) Influence of life stress on depression: moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene. He has recent review, haven't read yet. Could give lit on + attribution, will try to remember.

Sep 24, 2020 · 3 likes · 1 share · 893 followers View post →
Babu
@y392345390 · X

Okumak isteyen buyursun https://t.co/RLkChMFe63

Sep 4, 2025 · 3 likes · 298 followers View post →

All mentions

Babu
@y392345390 · X

Okumak isteyen buyursun https://t.co/RLkChMFe63

Sep 4, 2025 · 3 likes · 298 followers View post →
Radwan
@redwan98_ · X

4️⃣ الخلاصة؟ فيه جينات تلعب دور في العصبية والسعادة. بس ما يعني إنك ما تقدر تتغير. أسلوب حياتك، طريقة تفكيرك، والبيئة تفرق كثير. #علم_الجينات MAOA gene https://t.co/YJahrfKG5x HTTLPR and depression https://t.co/PeRiZRkDmW https://t.co/zwGKiNTMaN

Jul 23, 2025 · 4 likes · 674 followers View post →
Dulce
@DulceRdaniel · X

@t3mp3rl3y @jovanatorresj @nenucosinpanial ¡Falso! Un estudió que demostró que existe una dinámica entre nuestros factores genéticos y el entorno en el que nos desarrollamos. Personas predispuestas genéticamente a la depresión, no la manifestaban si el entorno no lo detona. https://t.co/amGd7B0scU

Jul 19, 2025 · 2 likes · 61 followers View post →
漆林左京
@blueprint_exist · X

https://t.co/cHbxvS094a 幼少期環境(ストレス、親の関与、虐待等)と遺伝要因が相互作用し、精神的健康や努力傾向に影響との結論。 つまり、努力の質と量は遺伝と幼少期の環境でかなり大きく決まるわけ。表現が曖昧でそこは申し訳ないけど、どちらにしろ自己責任論よりかは根拠はあるよ。

Jul 19, 2025 · 8 followers View post →
Carlos Cedeño Rodríguez
@CarlosCedeoRod1 · X

"Te presento el enlace: 'La depresión: cómo conocerla, entenderla, aceptarla y manejarla', de Carlos Cedeño Rodríguez. Una investigación extraordinaria que debes ver y escuchar”. https://t.co/cu1laSSVHn https://t.co/5sOSfPr4WC

Oct 9, 2024 · 36 followers View post →
Ppandora @ppandora.bsky.social
@p_pandora · X

RT @villalbaciencia: Cuando hablamos de cómo la genética influye en la psicología pensamos en muchos genes, pero a veces el secreto se encu…

Aug 1, 2024 · 2 shares · 1,263 followers View post →
La Enzima Inquieta #ViajandoConCiencia
@SaraRC83 · X

RT @villalbaciencia: Cuando hablamos de cómo la genética influye en la psicología pensamos en muchos genes, pero a veces el secreto se encu…

Aug 1, 2024 · 2 shares · 10,034 followers View post →
Adrián Villalba
@villalbaciencia · X

Cuando hablamos de cómo la genética influye en la psicología pensamos en muchos genes, pero a veces el secreto se encuentra en uno solo. Ya en 2003, se publicaba una variante genética de 5-HT que predispone a depresión y conductas suicidas. Artículo: https://t.co/lFnilHP8x9

Aug 1, 2024 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 2,249 followers View post →
Diana Yallop Voted YES.
@YallopDiana · X

Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene | Science https://t.co/e1icQZ5HHB

Oct 24, 2023 · 869 followers View post →
The Mental Elf
@Mental_Elf · X

@BMJ_Open @TheLancetPsych @Zalsman1 But how do #genes interact with the environment? For the OG paper on gene x #environment in depression by Caspi et al. ➡️ #WCP23 https://t.co/RMEejTnAPD

Sep 29, 2023 · 1 like · 99,529 followers View post →
MarkQuarter
@MarkQuarter · X

@USSOCOM Influence of life stress on depression: moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene [2003. King's College London] https://t.co/qKa8dcIioB

May 10, 2023 · 1,601 followers View post →
石井大典 (Daisuke ISHII)|認知行動神経科学
@DI_NeuroSci · X

Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene https://t.co/pFxYy3fB7d

Feb 1, 2023 · 771 followers View post →
Dr. Adrian Boström
@bostrom_adrian · X

RT @royperlis: 20 years ago: https://t.co/1hF4SuGgOp GxE is the gift that keeps on giving...

Jan 14, 2023 · 1 share · 157 followers View post →
Roy Perlis
@royperlis · X

20 years ago: https://t.co/1hF4SuGgOp GxE is the gift that keeps on giving...

Jan 14, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,477 followers View post →
Ana Navarro-Cebrián
@navarro_cebrian · X

@LucinaUddin Moderator: https://t.co/MySz2dbRpr

Oct 15, 2022 · 1 like · 271 followers View post →
三和土
@sanwado121 · X

Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene https://t.co/XKa0WimPtf

Dec 29, 2021 · 23 followers View post →
Robert Howard also on BlueSky as @ProfRobHoward
@ProfRobHoward · X

RT @awaisaftab: @gikkos1 @RyznarMD @dawso007 @claire_hilton6 @DrPPRam @ProfRobHoward @SameiHuda I’m interpreting “practice” broadly to incl…

Jan 6, 2021 · 1 share · 17,991 followers View post →
Awais Aftab
@awaisaftab · X

@gikkos1 @RyznarMD @dawso007 @claire_hilton6 @DrPPRam @ProfRobHoward @SameiHuda I’m interpreting “practice” broadly to include research & our conceptual worldviews. My pick would be: Caspi et al 2003 paper in Science. “Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene” Cited 9,684 times! /1 https://t.co/GqyQkY84Xy

Jan 6, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 24,278 followers View post →
Mike Boykin
@MichaelBoykin_1 · X

7/ Influence of life stress on depression: moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene https://t.co/GVEwDXKlYm https://t.co/vhr7SDGKI8 Outside of my wheelhouse, but the interaction between genes and environment on the development (or not) of complex emotions is fascinating.

Jan 4, 2021 · 1 like · 1,204 followers View post →
Kerry Wilkins, MD
@KerryWilkinsMD · X

RT @KerryWilkinsMD: @docinthecity @criley_md @drjessigold @DrHowardLiu @_HarryPaul_ @spaul1124 @md_pender @AmyGraham36 @KazJNelson @Doctor_…

Sep 24, 2020 · 1 share · 893 followers View post →
Kerry Wilkins, MD
@KerryWilkinsMD · X

@docinthecity @criley_md @drjessigold @DrHowardLiu @_HarryPaul_ @spaul1124 @md_pender @AmyGraham36 @KazJNelson @Doctor_David @ChaseSamsel @DrvanTilburg @drwendysimon @NIMHgov Yes - Caspi's work, from original to present, is well-regarded. Caspi et al (Science 2003.) Influence of life stress on depression: moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene. He has recent review, haven't read yet. Could give lit on + attribution, will try to remember.

Sep 24, 2020 · 3 likes · 1 share · 893 followers View post →
Nick Khabaz
@nick_khabaz · X

Influence of Life Stress on Depression: Moderation by a Polymorphism in the 5-HTT Gene on JSTOR https://t.co/14RVSH7tUe An interesting article that was published some time ago illustrating a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene that increases the susceptibility of depression. Science

Mar 18, 2020 · 15 followers View post →
Scite
@Scite · X

@hannahdev @edyong209 You might be interested in checking out our tool and what it has to say about an influential study in this space https://t.co/k11r84d17Q

May 20, 2019 · 9,227 followers View post →
Josh Nicholson
@joshmnicholson · X

@mkonnikova You might be interested in checking out https://t.co/puezc3y9ty, we allow anyone to see if a scientific report has been supported or contradicted. You can see one of the main studies in this story has been contradicted 13 times https://t.co/YbJxSELKpc

May 20, 2019 · 3 likes · 1,660 followers View post →
Prashant Bavi
@PrashantBavi · X

RT @sciteai: @edyong209 With https://t.co/u6CTfBjL6y, you can check any scientific article to see if it has been supported or contradicted.…

May 18, 2019 · 1 share · 1,151 followers View post →