Is it possible to inherit depression

Research has indicated that genes may be passed down in different ways modes of inheritance , which is another factor that could affect someone's genetic predisposition to depression. Depression can be treated with medication , psychotherapy , and other interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy CBT. Some people may be prescribed a combination of treatments.

Your genes may influence how well a specific treatment works for you. For example, research has indicated that certain genes might affect how well your body absorbs, uses, and excretes alcohol and drugs, including antidepressant medications. Several genes are known to influence drug metabolism, but the results from these studies are primarily of interest to doctors and researchers.

While some consumer genomic test kits provide information about topics like drug metabolism, genomic testing is not the same as genetic testing. Furthermore, doctors and scientists don't fully know how useful this information may be for consumers. Talk to your doctor before using your genomic health information to make decisions about your health care, including your depression treatment.

Additional research is needed to understand what findings from genetic studies could mean for antidepressants as well as other medications used to treat depression. Genetics factors aside, if you've been diagnosed with depression and are trying to decide on a treatment , keep in mind that the process can take time. You may need to try more than one type of therapy before finding the right fit. You might even need to adjust or change your treatment plan over time.

Before starting a medication for depression , tell your health care provider about any medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies you already take. These products can interact with antidepressants and affect how well they work or even cause serious side effects.

As you try different approaches, stay in touch with your doctor and your mental health care team. Be sure to let them know if you experience any side effects.

People with depression might be concerned they will pass on the condition to their children. While there could be a heritable component to depression, genetics is not the only determinant. A child who has a parent with depression may have a genetic predisposition but will not necessarily become depressed. On the other hand, a child who does not have a family member with depression and is not genetically predisposed to the condition may become depressed if they are exposed to a triggering event such as experiencing a trauma.

Genetics is one of several potential causes of depression. Knowing the possible causes can help you better understand depression, but remember that depression can also develop in the absence of a clear cause and be difficult to pinpoint.

Other known factors that contribute to all forms of depression and other mental health conditions include:. Having a genetic predisposition to depression can exacerbate these factors and may influence when someone becomes depressed as well as how long symptoms may last.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. National Library of Medicine. What does it mean to have a genetic predisposition to a disease? Updated September 18, Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with trajectories of depression symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood. Genetic determinants of depression: recent findings and future directions.

Updated August National Institutes of Health. Common genetic factors found in 5 mental disorders. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. What Is Depression? Causes: Genetic. Anxiety and Genetics. Treating Depression. Frequently Asked Questions. What Is a Mental Illness? When to Seek Emergency Help If you are thinking of harming yourself or someone else, call or seek emergency medical help immediately. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns?

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Related Articles. Bipolar Disorder and Genetics. It is likely that environmental conditions interact with genetic factors to determine the overall risk of developing this disease. 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. However, many people who develop depression do not have a family history of the disorder, and many people with an affected relative never develop the disorder.

Genetics Home Reference has merged with MedlinePlus. Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. From Genetics Home Reference. Description Depression also known as major depression or major depressive disorder is a psychiatric disorder that affects mood, behavior, and overall health.

Frequency Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Causes Depression is known to run in families, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing this disease. Inheritance Depression does not have a clear pattern of inheritance in families.

Research Studies from ClinicalTrials. What about major depression and anxiety disorders? There are probably genetic changes that can increase the predisposition to both major depression and to certain anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. Also, some people have a more general lifelong tendency to experience unpleasant emotions and anxiety in response to stress. However, many people who develop major depression did not have this type of personality before their depression started.

Genetics of Brain Function. Major Depression and Genetics. This page was written by: Douglas F. Levinson, M.