I Believe Depression Is Genetic. Can You Really Inherit This Terrible Condition?
Hi Musers. We’re returning to mental health today and, in particular, depression. It’s no secret that I have wondered about the impact growing up with severely depressed parents (my mother and stepfather) has had on our siblings. From both a nature and a nature perspective, I wondered if depression is genetic and can be passed on and if we ever really had a chance of escaping it.
What The Statistics Say
- A study into twins by Stanford found that identical twins prove an average genetic component of 37%.
- Studies also show that the child of a parent with depression is between two and three times more likely to develop depression.
- According to Yale News, “The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) researchers at Yale University School of Medicine and University of California-San Diego have run a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of genetic and health records of 1.2 million people from four separate data banks has identified 178 gene variants linked to major depression”.
- The Stanford study also determined that adopted children have a greater history of depression if one of their biological parents suffered from depression, which suggests depression is genetic, at least partially.
- According to a national study of twins in Sweden, there’s also a gender element. This study analysed 42,161 twins and found “indicated that the heritability of liability to major depression was significantly higher in women (42%) than men (29%)”
So the data would seem to suggest that genetics do play a part, but is that the whole story?
What About Environmental Factors?
There’s little doubt, especially to me, that growing up with depressed parents does have an impact. As I explained in my piece about faulty thinking, many people with depression think in patterns that are very unhelpful. If you’re constantly exposed to that thinking while growing up, it seems natural they may also begin to think this way.
There has also been research, which I discussed in my obesity due to childhood trauma piece, that shows abusive childhoods can lead the reward centre in a child’s brain becoming damaged. This makes it harder for these children to feel happy when good things happen to them. This continues into adulthood.
I think both of these factors point pretty strongly towards depression as a result. Obviously, I’m not saying that parents with depression routinely abuse their children. However, my stepfather was emotionally and sometimes physically abusive. My mother lost control a couple of times and repeatedly slapped me, so if untreated, I’d say abuse of some kind is a strong possibility.
Other Factors
While I believe, based on the evidence, that the root of depression is genetic and environmental, other factors have an impact on whether a person will become depressed.
Situational depression is very common and is in direct response to some form of trauma. It may be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, losing a job, and so on. Situational, or reactional, is one of the most treatable forms of depression. Usually, the person will fully recover with a short dose of medication, therapy, and time to deal with what has happened.
Postnatal depression is also widespread. The vast amount of hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can significantly impact an expectant mother’s mood. If you combine this will the trauma of giving birth and sleep deprivation after, it’s not surprising 1 in 10 women will experience postnatal depression.
It is also a condition that needs to be taken very seriously. In a small number of cases, the illness can progress to psychosis, putting both mother and baby at tremendous risk. So NEVER write off depression as “baby blues” and always seek help.
Brain chemistry can also play a part. Some people seem to produce lower levels of neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that affect mood and how good we feel. They include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine and many antidepressants are the type SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). They work by slowing the rate your body reabsorbs serotonin leading more of it in your rain to lift your mood. Unfortunately, it appears some people either have fewer neurotransmitters or they are less effective.
Depression Is Genetic?
I think the evidence suggests depression is genetic in part, but it’s not the whole story. Sometimes a person’s environment or personal circumstances can have an equally large impact. Other people just seem to be unlucky and fall victim to this awful illness.
Regardless of the cause, though, the key thing sufferers need is support. Here are a few articles I’ve written on the topic
Can Depression Be Cured? It’s Always There
Mental Health Problems. How To Help And What Not To Say
CMoo’s Mental Health Resource Page. Info To Help You Now
Please do add any tips you have or any comments you’d like to make in the comments 👇
