Is Depression Hereditary?
Like so many disorders, the role of heredity in depression is not clear-cut. We know that having a parent, sibling, or child with depression increases your chance of developing it. For example, one study examined several generations of families who had survived a devastating earthquake in Armenia. Researchers discovered that about 60% of depressive episodes experienced after the event had a genetic link. This study suggests that our DNA plays at least some role in raising the risk for depression. Scientists are just beginning to uncover the reasons behind that link. Recent mental health research also suggests that people living with depression tend to have a smaller hippocampus—a structure in the brain—than those who don’t live with the disorder. The hippocampus plays a vital role in memory, learning, and emotion. What experts don’t know yet, however, is whether having a smaller hippocampus triggers depression or whether the higher levels of stress hormones in depressed people shrink that part of the brain. What is clear is that depression is a complex mental disorder that will only be fully understood with the help of ongoing research.Depression and Genetics
The link between psychiatric disorders and genetics is apparent in some cases. Still, many non-genetic factors are believed to also play a role in whether or not someone develops depression. Other risk factors for clinical depression may include:- Experiencing trauma as a child
- Social isolation or having few close relationships
- Suffering from a serious medical condition, like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes
- Living with chronic pain
- Taking certain medications
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
