Thus, in the family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies presented so far, there is no strong support for a specific genetic factor in neurotic-reactive depression. However, there are some results from studies concerning biological markers under genetic control, indicating that genetic factors may still be of some importance, at least in subgroups of patients with neurotic-reactive depres­sion. It should also be kept in mind that as long as there is no generally accepted subclassification of patients with nonpsychotic depressive disorders, a genetic contribution in one of the subgroups may well be recognized in family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies. One biological marker that has been of certain interest in relation to affective disorders is the main degrative enzyme in the monoamine turnover —monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO exists in two forms, A and B. Form A is only present in the brain, whereas form В is present in the brain and in platelets. Because of the easier access to MAO in platelets and based on the assumption of a relationship between brain and platelet MAO activities, a series of studies have been performed on platelet MAO activity in patients with affective disorders. In general, the results have been disappointing, but there are some results indicating a genetic component in a subgroup of patients with neurotic-reactive depression.

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