People affected by depression may have genes associated with anxiety, worry, and low mood, a study suggests.

Scientists analyzed the DNA of over 300,000 people and found many genes linked to neuroticism—characterized by feelings of anxiety, worry, and guilt. The genes are also linked to depression.

The findings help shed light on the causes of depression—which affects one in five people—and could provide information to help better diagnosis and treatment for individuals, scientists say.

DNA analysis

Researchers analyzed genetic information from a group of people aged 39 to 73, whose levels of neuroticism had been measured by a personality questionnaire.

DNA analysis combined with the personality data uncovered 116 gene variations linked to neuroticism.

Researchers from the University found that genes associated with neuroticism had some overlap with genes linked to a susceptibility to depression and some other psychiatric conditions.

More than half of the genetic variations associated with neuroticism are expressed in the brain.