Is Depression Hereditary?
The answer to the question “is depression hereditary?”, comes in several parts. Firstly it depends on what type of depression we are referring to. Some types of depression, such as manic depression, do seem to have a genetic component. On the other hand many types of depression appear to have no identifiable genetic link at this time. It is likely that the reason many types of depression appear to run in familial lines is that they are a learned form of behavior and close family ties contribute to what at first sight may seem to indicate heritability.
What is Depression?
It is important to distinguish between every day mood swings and actual depression as a medical condition. Depression is characterized by the individual feeling an overwhelming sadness which can last for an extended period. These feelings may be so intense that they interfere with the person’s ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities.
Symptoms of Depression
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Change in appetite or weight
- Tiredness or difficulty in sleeping
- Loss of interest in social interaction and personal hygiene
- Lack of concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
This is not an exhaustive list of the medical symptoms of depression. If in doubt consult a health care professional.
Types of Depression
There are four types of depression:
Major Depression. Sufferers of major depression are continually sad, hopeless and despairing. The extent of these emotions is so severe that it stops them from going about normal day to day activities. This differs from reactive depression in that it does not dissipate within a six month time frame.
Chronic Depression. Chronic depression, which is also known as dysthymia, is less severe than major depression. The easiest method of understanding the difference between the two conditions is that dysthymia sufferers continue on with daily life and activities, but feel continually low, sad and unhappy. Normally for this diagnosis to be proposed the individual must have been depressed for at least two years and have no chronic debilitating condition, else the diagnosis may be mood disorder rather than dysthymia.
Seasonal Depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs each year at around the same time. It typically occurs in the fall and lasts through the winter, before finally dispersing in spring. There is some evidence that genetic factors play a weak role in inheriting this condition.
Bipolar Depression. Bipolar depression, which is also known as manic depression or bipolar disorder, is fundamentally different from other types of depression. Sufferers experience strong mood swings from total elation and joy to severe depression and sadness. Research has shown that there is some genetic component to the likelihood of suffering from bipolar disorder.
For the individual suffering these symptoms the exact label for the diagnosis is unimportant of course. What matters is whether or not their daily life is being affected. If you feel that depression is affecting your daily life or those close to you please contact a doctor, psychotherapist or other mental health professional (NHS).
Hereditary Influences and Environmental Factors
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Even when a person does possess the genetic markers that indicate a predisposition to depression this does not mean that they necessarily will suffer from this condition. Amongst genetically identical twins the chances of one twin developing depression when the other twin has succumbed was found to be approximately forty percent, or 4 in 10. From this it can be seen that other factors are clearly involved.
Families necessarily influence one another during the course of daily life. Behavior patterns are learned, child rearing methods inherited and sometimes stressful or emotionally straining situations are common in some families. All these factors can influence the likelihood of a family member becoming depressed. It is also possible for children to become depressed. On the positive side, some personality types are less prone to anxiety and depressive disorders, even within a family. The exact environmental causes of depression remain unknown and are a topic of study in social science.
When a person in a family has depression the first degree relatives (meaning the parents, children or brothers and sisters) have a slightly elevated risk of becoming depressed when compared to the general population. Studies estimate this elevated risk to be in the order of 5 to 30%. If a family member is severely depressed then this chance can increase to as much as 40%, which is comparable to the risk shared by identical twins.
What to do if You, or Someone Close to You, May be Depressed
Talk to your physician or seek professional medical care. Leave diagnosis and treatment of mental illness to the professionals!
Experts believe that depression is perhaps the most easily treatable mental illness. Help and support from friends and family can be a large factor in recovery, although drugs and psychotherapy can also play a role. There are many local community support groups available and they can usually be found in the telephone directory or with the help of your doctor’s practice.
Remember that you are not alone. An estimated 1 in 10 men and 5 in 20 women will suffer from depression in their lifetime. At any one time there is an estimated 18 million people suffering from depression in the United States alone. The majority of sufferers make a full recovery although occasionally this does take some time.
Is Depression Hereditary, or is the Answer More Complicated than that?
So, is depression hereditary? While heritable factors make up a significant part of the risk of suffering from depression they are only a part of the overall picture. Certain types of depression appear more heritable than others and more research is needed to reach a final judgment. Social factors, such as personality type and family upbringing also play a significant role and should not be dismissed.