Background: There are conflicting reports of an association between a common functional single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6295C/G) in the serotonin-1A receptor gene (HTR1A) and psychological disorders.
Methods: In our study we investigated associations between this polymorphism and symptoms of anxiety and depression in a population sample of 6445 Caucasians in the age groups 20-24, 40-44, and 60-64 years. We also looked for interactions between the polymorphism and environmental stressors of childhood adversity or recent stressful life events on anxiety and depression.
Results: There were no significant associations between the polymorphism and anxiety, depression or associated personality traits in the three age cohorts. There were no significant gene-environment interactions between the polymorphism and either of the environmental stressors on anxiety or depression.
Conclusion: We found no associations or gene-environment interactions involving the polymorphism and symptoms of anxiety or depression.