Studies of twins, genetic linkage and association support the existence of a genetic component to the susceptibility to depression. Biochemical parameters that change in depressive patients are also observed in their relatives. This indicates that genetic factors control these physiological changes and the susceptibility to depression. The study of the mechanisms by which different genetic factors affect the organism's response to drugs can identify better diagnostic tools as well as drug targets. Pharmacogenomics can, therefore, help to find the most efficacious treatment for patients with specific genetic profiles. However, the genetic factors that