Anxiety & Depression 5-HTTLPR Test
Discover if you carry a genetic variant that disrupts your serotonin levels through a genetic test.
- Simple buccal swab sample collection
- Discreet, Safe and Accurate
- Includes all laboratory fees
$149.00
DNA Tests
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About this test
Description
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a crucial role in fostering feelings of pleasure and well-being. When released from neurons, serotonin signals happiness and contentment. The serotonin transporter is responsible for moving serotonin from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron, enabling its recycling in a sodium-dependent manner. This process is essential for maintaining functional neural circuits connecting the amygdala and cingulate regions of the brain.
Individuals with the “grouchy” gene produce lower levels of the serotonin transporter and have smaller amygdala and cingulate regions—brain areas involved in emotional responses. These alterations increase the likelihood of anxiety and depression in individuals with one or more copies of the “grouchy” gene. Moreover, it may diminish the response to commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants).
A simple mouth swab is all that’s required to determine if you have the “grouchy” gene.
Technical Specifications
This DNA test analyzes the length of the 5-HTTLPR region of the SLC6A4 gene, distinguishing between the short (S) or “grouchy” form and the long (L) form of the gene.
Gene Tested: The SLC6A4 gene is situated on chromosome 17, and individuals inherit two copies of this gene—one from each parent. Inheriting one or two copies of the short (“grouchy”) form is associated with an increased risk of depression.
- Individuals with two copies of the short, “grouchy” form are more likely to experience unhappiness, and they will pass this form of the SLC6A4 gene to all of their children.
- Those with two copies of the long form have a decreased risk of unhappiness and depression.
- Heterozygotes, having one copy of the long form and one copy of the short form, also experience an impact on happiness levels. These individuals have a 50% chance of passing the “grouchy” gene to their children.
100% Confidentiality
As our client, your privacy is extremely important to us, and we hold all information provided us in strict confidentiality. We will never sell, resell or make available your personal, or financial information to other companies or organizations. You will only be contacted using the method you choose, to confirm your order or to discuss your case. All communication is in the strictest confidence, and for that reason, we require you to create a password that will restrict access to your case. In addition, our privacy policies that have been established in our laboratory and offices safeguard the security of your case.