By We Level Up FL Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 13, 2023

Depression Statistics

One of the most prevalent mental diseases in the US is major depression. Some people who have serious depression may experience substantial impairments that impede or restrict their capacity to engage in important life activities.

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Is Depression Genetic? Depression Genetics: Hereditary Depression

According to some research, compared to the general population, someone who has a first-degree family (a parent, sibling, or child) who has been diagnosed with depression maybe three times more likely to develop the illness themselves.

It’s crucial to remember that while studies have shown a definite connection within families, these results do not take into account people who have depression without a familial history. Research has shown that genes affect the likelihood of developing several illnesses, including depression.

According to studies, depression may have a heritable component. Additionally, some studies have suggested that women may be more vulnerable than men to the genetic variables linked to depression.

Is Depression And Anxiety Hereditary? Demystifying the “Depression Gene”

Is Depression Hereditary Or Genetic? A genetic variant can increase your risk of developing a disorder linked to that variant, but it does not guarantee it. A gene linked to a certain condition may be more (or less) likely to contribute to the onset of that condition if it is altered. Compared to a pathogenic variant, a benign genetic variation is less likely to affect the condition.

Sometimes genetic variants are discovered by researchers, but they are unsure of their effects if any. It is said that these variations have “unknown relevance.” The major depressive disorder may have genetic ties, according to several sizable genome-wide studies. In 2017, scientists discovered two new genetic variations linked to depression.

A 2018 study that was published in the journal Nature Genetics found a number of genetic variations that seemed to be connected to depressive symptoms and, in some cases, physical variations in the brain.

A single gene has not been definitively linked to depression, despite the fact that research has shed light on the potential heredity of mental disease.

It is more likely, in the opinion of scientists, that each of the several genes and genetic variants contributes only a little amount to an individual’s overall risk. According to research, there are various ways (or modes of inheritance) that genes can be handed down, and this is one more thing that could have an impact on a person’s hereditary propensity for depression.

Depression In Genetics: Can Genetics Affect Mental Health Treatment?

Medication, psychotherapy, and other methods including cognitive behavioral therapy can all be used to treat depression (CBT). A combination of therapies may be advised for some patients.

Your genetic makeup may have an impact on how effectively a given treatment works for you. For instance, studies have suggested that specific genes may impact how well your body metabolizes, excretes, and absorbs alcohol and other pharmaceuticals, including antidepressants.

There are several genes known to affect drug metabolism, but doctors and researchers are more interested in the findings from these studies than the general public. However, genomic testing is not the same as genetic testing, even if some consumer genomic test kits include information on subjects like drug metabolism.

Additionally, the value of this knowledge for consumers is not well understood by medical professionals and researchers. Before making decisions about your health care, including how to manage your depression, talk to your doctor about your genomic health information.

The implications of genetic study findings for the usage of antidepressants and other drugs to treat depression require further study.

Putting genetics aside, bear in mind that selecting a course of treatment can take some time if you have been diagnosed with depression. Before choosing the best fit, you might need to test out several different kinds of therapy. Your treatment regimen may possibly need to be modified over time.

Inform your doctor about any drugs, supplements, or herbal treatments you are currently using before beginning a depression medication. These substances may interact with antidepressants and impair their effectiveness or perhaps have negative side effects.

Keep in touch with your doctor and the rest of your mental health care team while you experiment with various methods. Tell them right away if you encounter any negative effects.

Is Postpartum Depression Genetic?

For instance, a difficult birth could perhaps result in postpartum depression. Recognize the danger indicators and risk factors so you can seek assistance as soon as feasible. Risk elements consist of:

• Family history of postpartum depression
• Personal history of any type of depression
• Stressful events that occurred during pregnancy
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Baby born with health problems
• Relationship problems with significant other
• Weak support system
• Financial strain

Is Bipolar Depression Genetic? Is Manic Depression Hereditary?

Is Bipolar Depression Hereditary? While the causes of bipolar disease are not entirely understood, some risk factors have been found. A history of the illness in the family is one of the biggest risk factors. Some genes may be responsible for this link.

A 2009 review found that the chance of acquiring the disease in adults who have relatives with it is on average ten times higher. If the affected family member is a close relative, your risk is increased much more. Accordingly, if either of your parents has bipolar disorder, your risk of getting it is higher than that of someone whose great-aunt has the illness.

About 60 to 80 percent of the causes of bipolar illness are genetic. Thus, there are other causes of bipolar disease besides inheritance. Additionally, it implies that even if the condition runs in your family, you may not necessarily end up with it. The majority of a bipolar disorder sufferer’s family members won’t also have the illness.

Treatments for Depression

Psychotherapy and antidepressants are frequently recommended by medical practitioners to treat depression. Depending on your symptoms and treatment objectives, you can use either one of these methods alone or in conjunction with dietary changes.

Increasing your vitamin D intake could assist with symptoms of depression if a vitamin D deficiency is the cause. Consult a medical expert to learn more about your treatment options and what might be most effective for you. Here are some other actions you may take if you’re depressed that might help lessen your symptoms:

• Sign up for a support group. You can find others who are going through the same symptoms online, over the phone, or in your local area by joining a support group. They are able to encourage and show sympathy.
• Regular exercise. Regular exercise releases “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins into the brain, which helps to lessen the symptoms of depression. Cardio should be done for around 30 minutes a day, three times per week, and more days and minutes can be added as needed.
• Maintain a consistent sleep routine. Maintain a regular sleep schedule to manage depression-related sleep problems. A sleep and wake alarm might be set. You could also keep a journal to track your development, noting your sleep duration and caliber.
• Contact your loved ones. You might find support from your friends or family while you manage your symptoms. Your network of reliable, encouraging friends and family may be able to assist your treatment efforts if you are able to talk to them about your depression.

We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Genetics of Depression FAQs