Same genes could make us prone to both happiness and depression

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-07/uoo-sgc071816.php

Public Release: 19-Jul-2016
Same genes could make us prone to both happiness and depression
Psychology researchers say studies in cognitive bias and genetics must be brought together to better understand how best to tackle mental ill health
University of Oxford

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Professor Fox said: 'If you take a gene that is linked to mental illness, and compare people who have the same genetic variant, it becomes clear that what happens to their mental health is based on their environment. We suggest that while no gene 'causes' mental ill health, some genes can make people more sensitive to the effects of their environment - for better and for worse.

'If you have those genes and are in a negative environment, you are likely to develop the negative cognitive biases that lead to mental disorders. If you have those genes but are in a supportive environment, you are likely to develop positive cognitive biases that increase your mental resilience.'

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