2.58 Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Allele Frequency in a Refractory Major Disruptive Disorder Population

An estimated 15 percent of depressed individuals do not respond to current pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and even electroconvulsive treatment. A preliminary metabolomic study of patients undergoing treatment for refractory major depressive disorder (TR-MDD) implicated CNS-specific errors of metabolism as a potential factor of treatment refractory depression. It is significant that these errors of metabolism may be targeted by existing therapies. Continuation of this research includes whole-exome analysis to identify genetic factors that may contribute to these errors. The goal of this poster is to characterize the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MFTHR) allelic frequencies within this population, which previously has been used to guide treatment decisions regarding L-methylfolate supplementation.