Modulation of amygdala response and connectivity in depression by serotonin transporter polymorphism and diagnosis

Significant independent effects of genotype and diagnosis on amygdala responsivity were revealed. The effects of genotype and diagnosis on amygdala connectivity showed a regional segregation, suggesting that 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms bias frontal-limbic connectivity while the development of depression involves more extensive neural disturbances. These findings point to the potential of connectivity maps as a diagnostic biomarker for depression.