10 Jun Is Depression Genetic or Environmental?

As of now, little is known about the causes of depression. Whilst some scientists believe that there are genetic links to depression, many people who suffer from this condition do so due to past experiences, upbringing, or trauma. Perhaps you are related to somebody who has suffered or is suffering from depression – watching a loved one battle depression is never easy, but does this mean that you will also suffer from the condition? Studies show that a person with a family member who suffers from depression is five times more likely to suffer from the condition themselves, but is this hereditary, or are other factors involved?

About Depression:

Major depressive disorder or clinical depression is one of the most common forms of depression and also one of the most commonly suffered mental health conditions. The Stanford School of Medicine estimates that around ten percent of U.S.A. citizens will experience major depressive disorder at some point in their lives. Clinical depression is also more likely to be shared by siblings and children, putting those who are related to somebody with the condition at a higher risk of suffering from clinical depression themselves. If you know somebody who is battling depression, Smart Brain and Health offers depression treatment Los Angeles.

Depression and Genetics:

In 2011, British scientists isolated a gene which shows prevalence in multiple family members, all of who suffer from depression. The 3p25-26 chromosome was found in more than eight hundred families, all of whom had multiple family members who were or had been suffering from recurrent clinical depression. Scientists believe that at least 40% of patients with depression are able to trace the condition back to a genetic link, with environmental and other factors such as trauma making up the remaining 60%. Research has also shown that people with parents or siblings suffering from depression are up to three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression themselves, due to hereditary or environmental factors which can have a strong influence.

Other Factors:

An individual who grows up in close proximity to somebody who has depression may be at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves either in childhood or in later life. A child who watches a sibling or parent suffer with depression can, under certain conditions, learn to mimic that person’s behavior and habits, for example a child who watches their parent spending days in bed and having little enthusiasm to do anything may subsequently believe that this is normal and not realize that it is a symptom of an illness. Looking after a close family member with depression can also put individuals at a higher risk. Gender may also be a factor, with studies showing that whilst men only have a 29% chance of developing hereditary depression, women have a 42% chance. However, it’s important to note that these results may not be accurate due to the fact that men are less likely than women to seek help for depression.

Whether hereditary or as a result of other factors, suffering from depression is a horrible experience. If you or somebody who you love is suffering from depression, it’s important not to suffer in silence.

Last Updated on June 10, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD