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Advanced Neurology Depression and its risk factors in India

Table 2. (Continued)
No. Gene SNPs Tool (s) Case group/ Location Type of Relationship Results Author and
control study year
group
19 ACE I/D BDI-II 75/120 Haryana RA P In conclusion, the Sharma et al.,
findings of this study 2024 172
suggest that the D allele
of the ACE I/D gene
polymorphism poses a
potentially reduced risk
of depression among
North Indian adults.
20 BDNF Val66met DSM-V; HDRS 50/None Tamil Nadu DR ✓ Baseline serum levels Ramesh
of hsCRP and BDNF et al., 2021 173
predicted the response
to SSRIs in MDD,
and Val/Val patients
responded better when
compared to patients
carrying the Met allele.
21 5HT 2A −1438 A/G None 31/40 Kashmir RA ✓ −1438 A/G Mushtaq
single-nucleotide et al., 2014 174
polymorphism in the
promoter region of
the 5HT‑2A gene was
associated with anxiety
and depressive disorders
Abbreviations: SNPs: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms; HDRS-17: Hamilton depression rating scale, 17 items; DR: Drug response; ✓: Relationship
found; MDD: Major depressive disorder; HDRS: Hamilton depression rating scale, 21 items; RA: Risk association; SSRI: Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor; DSM-IV-TR: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition, text revision; X: No association found;
MADRS: Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale; CES-D: Center for epidemiologic studies depression scale; BDI-II: Beck depression inventory
II; PHQ-9: Patient health questionnaire; GDS: Geriatric depression scale; CGI: Clinical global impression scale; EPDS: Edinburg postnatal depression
scale; P: Protective risk; DSM-V: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition.

often differing from Western interpretations. A study include pre-menstrual syndrome, menorrhagia (heavy or
comparing students from Northern India and the United prolonged bleeding), sleep disturbances, body pain, and
States emphasized the role of social support and practices headaches. Dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by
33
such as yoga and meditation as effective coping strategies painful menstrual cycles, is particularly stressful, causing
in India. These findings emphasize the need for culturally considerable pain, limitations in one’s ability to engage in
29
sensitive approaches that integrate traditional practices and daily activities, and increased school absenteeism. 34
strengthened social support systems to address depression Subsequently, the transitioning from unmarried to
in countries such as India. married life results in significant changes, especially
Based on this understanding of the cultural influences considering India’s entrenched dowry system. This
35
shaping women’s lives in India and their correlation with system entails the transfer of payments such as capital,
depression, exploring the diverse factors that substantially durable goods, and real estate from the bride’s family to the
contribute to the high prevalence of depression among groom’s as a prerequisite for marriage. Despite the Dowry
Indian women is crucial. Women, often considered as the Prohibition Act, implemented in 1961 to curb dowry-
30
backbone of future generations, are frequently overlooked related issues, cases continue to be reported at concerning
during their adolescence, the crucial transition from levels (The Dowry Prohibition Act. 1961 28 of 1961 |
childhood to adulthood (11 – 19 years). This period is Ministry of Women and Child Development|IN|bfult (wcd.
marked by rapid physical and mental changes, leading to nic.in). According to a report from the Statista Research
an increase in stress and a number of health challenges Department, in 2022, nearly 6,400 dowry-related deaths
including depression. 31,32 In particular, menstruation- were reported, a decrease from approximately 8,500 cases
related psychosocial issues are notable, impacting girls’ in 2014 (India: Dowry deaths 2022|Statista). Although this
lives in various ways. In this regard, common issues decline reflects increased awareness and legal enforcement,

Volume 4 Issue 3 (2025) 37 doi: 10.36922/an.5940