Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study
Overview
Aims
The GLAD Study is a large-scale study of the genetic and environmental risk factors of anxiety and depression. By studying these mental health conditions in the UK population, the study aims to provide a deeper understanding of them, and to investigate which treatments work for whom and why. This ultimately aims to generate more effective treatments for both and improve the lives of people experiencing these conditions.
Institution
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health BioResource, King's College London
Geographic coverage - Nations
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Geographic coverage - Regions
Nationwide
Start date
2018
Catalogue record last updated
18/10/2024
Sample
Sample type
Cohort study
Sample details
Participants are individuals over the age of 16 years living in the UK.
Participants are recruited online through a media campaign involving spokespeople, news outlets, social media and the study website. The initial campaign targets potential participants in England, but the study has since opened to people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
To participate in the study, individuals have to be residing in the UK, over the age of 16 and have a prior or current experience of clinical anxiety or depression. A formal diagnosis is not necessary to take part. Since April 2024, GLAD is also recruiting participants with no history of anxiety and/or depression.
Sample size at recruitment
35,324 participants
Sample size at most recent sweep
35,324 participants
Sex
All
Age at recruitment
16 years +
Cohort year of birth
Varied
Data
Data access
Project proposal - contact study team by emailing gladstudy@kcl.ac.uk
Genetic data collected
Linkage to administrative data
Health data
Additional information
Website
www.gladstudy.org.uk
Related themes
Covid-19 data collection,
Cognitive measures,
Digital technology and social media,
Education,
Ethnicity and race,
Housing,
Language and literacy,
Loneliness and social isolation,
Neighbourhood,
Parenting and family,
Political and social attitudes,
Puberty,
Sexuality and gender identity,
Sleep problems,
Victimisation and life events,
Work and employment
Summary
GLAD is a large-scale, nationwide study of anxiety and depression in the UK. The project aims to examine the effects of genetic and environmental factors on these mental health conditions, and to achieve better understanding and more effective treatment.
Key Papers
The Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study: Online recruitment into the largest recontactable study of depression and anxiety.doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2019.103503 Please see "What research has been published using data from the GLAD Study" in the study FAQs.gladstudy.org.uk/faqs
Funders
Mental health measures timeline
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