Author Type

Undergraduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 4-30-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

July 2026

College Granting Degree

Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Chitra Chandrasekhar

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide, with a significant impact on quality of life and global health. Despite the widespread use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as first-line treatment, individual responses vary significantly due to genetic differences. Variations in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme family have been identified as key factors influencing the efficacy, metabolism, and tolerability of SSRIs. This thesis examines the impact of polymorphisms in SLC6A4 and CYP450 on SSRI pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, explores their potential for guiding personalized antidepressant therapy, and discusses the ethical and practical considerations of implementing pharmacogenomic testing in clinical psychiatry.

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