Retrospective studies have established a strong correlation between reports of life stress and depression. Investigators have begun to further explore this relationship by examining the role of gene x stress interactions in the pathogenesis of depression. In a recent landmark study, Caspi and colleagues (2003) reported an interaction between a serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism and life stress in the development of depression. This finding has been replicated in some but not all follow up studies. Despite the initial promise of these results, the ability to draw definitive conclusions is compromised by significant study design limitations: 1) retrospective design 2) a focus on acute rather than chronic stress 3) substantial variation in the character and intensity of stress between subjects. Medical internship is a period filled with predictable and high levels of chronic uncontrolled stress. Rates of depression among interns are elevated compared to the general population. In this study, we aim to utilize the predictable and consistent stress of internship to investigate the relationship between stress, genes and depression with a prospective study design that bypasses some of the pitfalls of previous studies.
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See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Assess the change in rates of depression among medical interns.
Timeframe: Months 0, 3, 6, and 12 of Intern Year