Variation in the gene encoding the serotonin 2A receptor is associated with outcome of antidepressant treatment

The genetic predictors of treatment outcome in 1,953 patients with major depressive disorder who were treated with the antidepressant citalopram in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives for Depression (STAR*D) study is presented. When considered along with the previous neurobiological findings, the new genetic data make a compelling case for a key role of the HTR2A in the mechanism of antidepressant action.