Candidate genes studied to date have considered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in neurobiological systems relevant to stress and depression, i.e., the monoaminergic neurotransmitter, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and GR-chaperone systems, as well as neurotrophin, oxytocin, and endocannabinoid systems. The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is depressive disorder.