The secret of women's happiness
Researchers at the University of South Florida, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, working under the direction of Dr. Henian Chen, identified a gene whose activity level is associated with a feeling of happiness in women, but not in men.
Despite the fact that women are more prone to mental disorders accompanied by increased anxiety and mood disorders, in general they are more likely than men to claim that they feel happy. Until now, experts had no explanation for this phenomenon.
As part of their study, the authors collected and analyzed data on 193 women and 152 men who participated in a longitudinal study of mental health called "Children in Society". The DNA of all participants was analyzed for the content of various variations of the gene encoding monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). The level of self-feeling of happiness was assessed using a widely used validated scale.
The results of comparing the data obtained showed that women with two copies of a low-activity variation of the MAOA gene feel much happier than women who do not have copies of this gene variant. Women with one copy were in an intermediate position.
The distribution of variants of the MAOA gene in the population in men and women is the same, but it had no effect on the level of "male happiness".
The enzyme monoamine oxidase A breaks down neurotransmitters that are targets of many antidepressants, including serotonin and dopamine, which are sometimes called "good mood" substances.
Low expression of the MAOA gene is associated with elevated levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which contributes to mood improvement. At the same time, a number of studies have revealed the relationship between low expression of this gene and such negative factors as alcoholism, aggressiveness and antisocial behavior. Some experts even call it the warrior gene. As it turned out, in the case of women, the inactive variant of the MAOA gene demonstrates its "good side".
What is the reason for such a difference between men and women? The authors suggest that women have lower levels of testosterone, which in the male body may neutralize the positive effect of low expression of MAOA.
They suggest that the answer to this question can be obtained by studying the effect of the expression level of the MAOA gene on the happiness of boys who have not entered the puberty phase and, accordingly, are not yet affected by testosterone.
Earlier studies have shown that "the rich also cry" because the feeling of happiness is 35-50% due to genetic characteristics. The authors note that the completeness of this sensation is due to the activity of a complex of genes, the study of which is extremely important not only in terms of improving people's sense of self, but also for studying the mechanisms of the occurrence and development of mental diseases.
Article by Chen et al. The MAOA gene predicts happiness in women is published in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of South Florida:
Study finds gene that predicts happiness in women.
30.08.2012