We are delighted to see pre-study publication in BMC Psychiatry[1] of the research design and plans for meta-analysis of the literature on the interaction between serotonin transporter genotype and life stress, predicting depression [2]. However, we recommend two changes: dropping “Primary Analysis Plan 2” and including studies in the meta-analysis with sample sizes under 300 participants. In mid-2012 we wrote to the group of researchers involved in the meta-analysis, expressing these two concerns with the plan. Because these concerns have not been adequately addressed in the published protocol, we submit this correspondence.
