Overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) is a key memory deficit in major depressive disorder (MDD). Much research has examined cognitive mechanisms underlying OGM, but little work has investigated potential neurobiological influences. There is preliminary evidence that a genetic serotonergic vulnerability coupled with depressive symptoms may be associated with other memory impairments, and experimental research suggests a role for serotonin in OGM. We investigated whether a polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) was associated with OGM in interaction with a lifetime history of MDD in 370 young adults in a longitudinal study of risk for emotional disorders. There was a significant interaction between 5-HTTLPR genotype and lifetime history of MDD in predicting OGM. Among S allele homozygotes, MDD history was associated with greater OGM, whereas no significant relationship between MDD history and OGM emerged among L carriers. Furthermore, there was evidence that a greater number of S alleles were associated with greater memory specificity in individuals without a history of MDD. Implications for understanding cognitive and biological risk for depression are discussed.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Jennifer A. Sumner, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W.168th Street, Room 72OH, New York, NY 10032, USA. Email: [email protected] Current address: Jennifer A. Sumner is now at Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA Current address: Suzanne Vrshek-Schallhorn is now at Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA We also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the many students who helped with data collection. We would like to thank the National Institute of Mental Health [grant number R01 MH065652 to Drs. Mineka and Zinbarg, R01 MH065651 to Dr. Craske, and F31 MH088014 to Dr. Sumner] and the Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Faculty Fellowship (to Dr. Adam) for supporting our research.
- Autobiographical memory specificity
- Genetic association
- Overgeneral autobiographical memory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)