Depression and anxiety are incredibly common, affecting about 30% of the worldwide population over the lifespan. Past research has indicated that genetic influences affect psychological treatment in response to anxiety and depression, so it’s important that we know more about these genetic influences. Heritability of anxiety is estimated at approximately 30% and depression approximately 35%, with genetic overlap between both. Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) is a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) study that aims to better understand depression and anxiety, including their genetic and environmental risk factors (including the interaction between both of these). The GLAD study is also part of the NIHR BioResource, which is similar to a database of information about people’s health aiming to support research in both physical and mental health for the future.
GLAD is the largest study of its kind and is looking for 40,000 participants to be able to make a change in mental health research. The research entails an online questionnaire (which takes 20 – 30 mins) and then a postal saliva sample. So, if you would be interested in participating in this pioneering medical science, please consider signing up to GLAD!
The criteria are:
- Aged 16+
- Experienced any symptoms of anxiety or depression at any point (NB: this does not have to be clinically diagnosed)
- Living in the UK
If you think that you fit the criteria and are interested in making a difference to mental health research, sign up online at www.gladstudy.org.uk. If you do choose to take part (participation is anonymous), please make sure that you answer ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Did you hear about the GLAD Study through an NHS Trust, GP, talking therapy service, pharmacy, or any other healthcare provider?’, and then on the next page make sure you select ‘Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’.
If you have any further questions or would like some more information, please contact (c.wesson@nhs.net) or visit the GLAD website (www.gladstudy.org.uk).