Is Depression Genetic?

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. An estimated 21 million Americans experience at least one major depressive episode each year. It is more common in women than men and in 18-25 year olds compared to other age groups. But, people of all ages and genders can develop depression. Having a closely related family member with major depression is a risk factor for major depressive disorder. Please keep reading to find out what role genes play in your risk of developing depression.

Why do some people develop depression?

It is unclear why some people develop major depression, and others do not. Several factors are believed to play a role in the development of major depression disease, including changes in brain structure and brain chemistry (neurotransmitters), hormonal fluctuations, environmental factors, biological factors, and genetic factors. We know that the risk of depression is higher in people who have close relatives with this condition. In addition, triggers and risk factors for major depression include:

Stressful life events, such as abuse, divorce, deaths, or new medical diagnoses
Traumatic events such as shootings, terrorist attacks, earthquakes, and other natural calamities
Change in seasons
Substance abuse
Hormonal changes, for example, after childbirth or during menopause

What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder?

Depression symptoms include a depressed mood; feelings of sadness, hopelessness, tearfulness, and worthlessness; anger, irritability, or frustration with small or insignificant things; loss of interest in daily activities and previously enjoyed activities such as sex or hobbies; problems with sleep; changes in appetite and eating patterns; low energy; reduced concentration, slowed thinking, memory problems; feelings of guilt and self-blame; thoughts of death and suicide; physical symptoms such as headaches or back pain.

Is depression genetic: yes or no?

Genetic factors play a role in the risk of developing depression, especially severe depression. However, in addition to a genetic link, other factors in a person’s environment also play an important role in their depression risk.

This means that if someone has a family history of depression, it is not always the case that they will develop depression. On the other hand, if a person has no family history of major depression and no genetic risk factors, they can still develop depression symptoms.

Based on family and twin studies, experts say that depression is approximately 50% due to genetic risk factors and 50% due to environmental risk factors.

Studies suggest people can inherit the tendency to develop depression from a biological parent. However, the development of depression depends on the person’s environment. For example, if family members have major depression but a person leads a healthy, happy life, they may never develop major depression disease. On the other hand, if a person does not have genetic risk factors, but they go through severely stressful life events, they may develop major depression.

Is anxiety and depression hereditary?

The risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or some other psychiatric disorder, such as bipolar disorder, may be linked to genetic factors. Many genes could play a role in these mental health conditions. However, scientists have not identified any specific gene variants linked to mental disorders. In other words, research has not found any specific candidate genes linked to hereditary depression or anxiety disorders.

In contrast, many hereditary diseases have a clearly identified genetic epidemiology. For example, medical conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease have a single gene or several gene variants that are known to cause these conditions.

What makes depression genetic?

The genetic complexity of major depression has made it difficult to identify specific genes linked to hereditary depression. However, studies on the genetic basis of depression have revealed that chromosome 3p25-26 is found in families with recurrent depression. Therefore, the presence of this gene may indicate an elevated risk for depression.

Can you avoid genetic depression?

As mentioned above, a person’s risk of developing depression depends on a combination of their environment and genetics. Factors in a person’s environment or events in their life may trigger depressive symptoms. This can be against a background of genetic factors that put them at an increased risk of major depression.

Taking steps to lower your risk of depression can help you avoid hereditary depression. For example, studies suggest that regular exercise, spending time outdoors, and eating nutritious foods can offer protection from major depression.

What are the treatment options for major depression disease?

If depression runs in your family, you may or may not develop depression. If you develop symptoms, lifestyle changes can help in managing depression, especially mild to moderate depression. If lifestyle changes are not enough or you have severe depressive symptoms, other depression treatments are available, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medications.

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