«While the genome sites identified still account for only a fraction of the risk for depression, the results support the strategy of
complementing more traditional methods with crowd - sourced data,» the scientists said.
The
method used in the study is known as the Hirsch Index and while the study authors acknowledge factors such as there being high public interest leading to
more studies of a particular illness, they believe that because it is objective and evidence - based it will be a useful
complement and guide to
more traditional methods of risk assessment and can be used to produce a shortlist of pathogens for authorities to focus on.