Use of polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene promoter as a predictor of disease risk

The present invention provides a method of screening subjects for disease risk. The method comprises determining the serotonin transporter gene promoter genotype of a subject. The serotonin transporter gene promoter genotype is used to indicate whether or not the subject is at increased risk of disease. The method is particularly adapted to screening for risk of disease in response to stress, and accordingly can be used to indicate interventions that manage stress, and hence reduce disease risk, in susceptible or higher-risk individuals.