Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study

Summary

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions in the UK; 1 in 3 people will experience symptoms during their lifetime. Access to psychological therapies and drug treatments such as anti-depressants is increasing, but only half of people respond well to existing treatment options. For the thousands who remain unwell, these conditions may worsen over time and can lead to relationship and employment problems, a poor quality of life and even suicide. Research has shown 30-40% of the risk for both depression and anxiety is genetic and 60-70% due to environmental factors. Only by having a large, diverse group of people available for future studies will researchers be able to determine how genetic and environmental triggers interact to cause anxiety and depression and how to develop more effective treatments. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) BioResource and King’s College London are recruiting 40,000 people with depression or anxiety to join the online Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study, funded by the NIHR. We are establishing the largest ever database of volunteers willing to take part in pioneering research to explore the genetic links to anxiety and depression. This is a recontactable resource that will inevitably lead to advances in mental health.