Polymorphisms of IKBKE gene are associated with major depressive disorder and panic disorder

Background The immune system has been increasingly implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells, kinase epsilon (IKBKE) gene encodes IKKε protein that is involved in innate immunity, predominantly antiviral response generation. It also bears pro‐inflammatory properties that could affect psychiatric outcomes. In order to investigate the possible role of IKBKE gene in major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD), we conducted a case–control genetic association study concerning these disorders. Methods In all, 14 SNPs of IKBKE gene were genotyped in groups of 391 patients with MDD and 190 patients with PD together with respective 389 and 371 healthy control individuals. The given groups were further divided by gender for additional analyses. Results Substantial genetic associations were revealed between IKBKE SNPs and MDD (multiple testing adjusted P 0.05). In addition, two SNPs that were only associated with PD among males, also displayed significantly different allele frequencies compared to PD females. This may indicate a specific role of these SNPs in male PD, but caution should be applied here due to the small size of the studied PD males group. Conclusions The results of this study confirm our initial findings and indicate a possible role of IKBKE gene in mood and anxiety disorders

Associations between LSAMP gene polymorphisms and major depressive disorder and panic disorder

The purpose of this case–control genetic association study was to explore potential relationships between polymorphisms in the limbic system-associated membrane protein (LSAMP) gene and mood and anxiety disorders. A total of 21 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the LSAMP gene were analyzed in 591 unrelated patients with the diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD) or panic disorder (PD) and in 384 healthy control subjects. The results showed a strong association between LSAMP SNPs and MDD, and a suggestive association between LSAMP SNPs and PD. This is the first evidence of a possible role of LSAMP gene in mood and anxiety disorders in humans

Manifesto for an international digital mental health network

Current mental health services across the world remain expert-centric and are based on traditional workflows, mostly using impractical and ineffective electronic record systems or even paper-based documentation. The international network for digital mental health (IDMHN) is comprised of top-level clinicians, regulatory and ICT experts, genetic scientists, and support organizations. The IDMHN has been formed to enable the implementation of digital innovations in clinical practice, hereby facilitating the transformation of current mental health services to be more personalized and more responsive to patients and healthcare needs. This consensus statement summarizes the consortium’s vision and strategy for further development of digital mental health