We don't yet know how many genes are involved in depression, but it is very doubtful that any one gene causes depression in any large number of people. So no one simply “inherits” depression from their mother or father.
Depression does not have a clear pattern of inheritance in families. People who have a first-degree relative (for example, a parent or sibling) with depression appear to have a two to three times greater risk of developing the condition than the general public.
Studies in twins show that between 30-80% of the variation in youth-onset depression is due to genes. Other contributors are environmental factors such as poverty, family relationships, divorce, or abuse.
Depression does not occur due to a specific genetic change in a single gene. Instead, multiple genes interact with one another to raise a person's risk. Environmental, social, and psychological factors also play a role. No risk factor guarantees a person will develop the condition, though.
Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots. Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia.
Depression can happen to anyone. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression. Women are more likely to have depression than men.
In most cases, the younger the person is when they get anxiety or depression, the more likely it is to be hereditary. Anxiety and depression can still be genetic if they show up in your older family members. But often, new conditions in people that are over the age of 20 are linked to painful or stressful life events.
Anxiety disorders — like generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD — can all run in families. Disorders that run in families are sometimes called “hereditary” disorders. Experts don't know exactly what causes anxiety. But your genes, environment, and life experiences all seem to play a role.
The biological factors that might have some effect on depression include: genes, hormones, and brain chemicals. Depression often runs in families, which suggests that individuals may inherit genes that make them vulnerable to developing depression.
Both depression and anxiety tend to be higher in older children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. An estimated 3.2 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 13.3% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17.
Children with a family history of depression are also at higher risk of depression. Children who have parents with depression tend to have their first episode of depression earlier than children whose parents don't have the condition.
The first born may experience certain emotions differently than the middle and youngest child or visa versa. According to Adler, the first born is more susceptible to depression because of high expectations of parents and suddenly losing the attention due to another sibling being born.
There's no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.
Depression often gets worse if it isn't treated, resulting in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your life. Examples of complications associated with depression include: Excess weight or obesity, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Pain or physical illness.
Clinical depression is a chronic condition, but it usually occurs in episodes, which can last several weeks or months. You'll likely have more than one episode in your lifetime. This is different from persistent depressive disorder, which is mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years.
Genetic studies show a heritability rate of 30-67% for anxiety disorders. If a first degree relative of a child has an anxiety disorder, there is a chance that the child will also develop anxiety over the course of his or her lifetime.
The mental health of children is connected to their parents' mental health. A recent study found that 1 in 14 children has a caregiver with poor mental health. Fathers and mothers—and other caregivers who have the role of parent—need support, which, in turn, can help them support their children's mental health.
Although recent studies have begun to identify the genetic markers associated with certain mental disorders and eventually may lead to better screening and more personalized treatment, it is still too early to use genetic tests or genome scans to diagnose or treat mental disorders accurately.
It has been widely documented that there are gender differences in depression prevalence, with women experiencing major depression more often than men.
You could have depression without feeling sad. Whether you've accepted a depression diagnosis or still learning about your mental health symptoms, your ability to smile, laugh, or feel moments of happiness doesn't counteract or negate the other symptoms you experience because of the condition.
Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, although it often develops between the ages of 15 and 19 and rarely develops after 40. Men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely between people.
Approximately 9.5% of American adults ages 18 and over, will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year. Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men. However, men and women are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder.