Is Depression Hereditary?
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If you are reading this because you are asking the question “can depression be hereditary?”, then this article is here to answer your question. The short answer to this, is in a few cases yes it can, but if you are suffering from this affliction, then its probably not a hereditary depression.
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in some types of manic, bipolar and postpartum versions of the disorder, depression is hereditary. If you have family members who suffer or have suffered from these specific types of the condition, then there is an increased chance that you could be at risk. That said, current recent studies show that the condition is mostly a learned behavior, which means that even if a sufferer has relatives with the same problem, the chances are the sufferer learned the problem behaviors from their family member rather than inherited it through genetics. Regardless of how the condition has arisen, you can still learn how to overcome depression, and free yourself from it permanently.
Is Clinical Depression Hereditary?
Scientists have discovered a gene named short allele 5-HTT. This gene is currently considered responsible for increased chance of the onset of symptoms, and can be passed down through subsequent generations. Normally, people have a full allele 5-HTT, which means that there is healthy communication between the neurotransmitters in the brain. Those with short allele 5-HTT have weaker connections, which affects mood, sleep and appetite.
Its thought that around 20% of the human population has the short allele 5-HTT gene, but this does not translate to 20% of the world suffering from the disease and 80% maintaining mental health. Clearly, there is more to the condition than just genes. Where genes are involved, they are only a factor in an overall makeup of problematic symptoms.
We know that a major factor in the overall condition is learned behavior. How you respond to in a given situation determines your resulting mood. People who spend substantial amounts of time around individuals that display negative and emotional tendancies, will naturally take on those behaviors themselves. Therefore, in solving the problem, focus should primarily be given towards the immediate social environment. This will always be one the most effective ways to overcome depression.
So is depression hereditary? In some cases yes, though focus on learning how to cure depression is the key to relief of symptoms.
Very helpful, concerned about my 7 yr.old daugheter she is always crying and views her life as horrible, i suffer from depression and aniexty and even think im bipolar sometimes, however im a negative person and unhappy so thanks to this article i will be seeking help, my daugheter is already in counseling but maybe i need some as well. Thank you
Dear People. M’y Beloved elder brother too his own Life on 15th novembre 2011 M’y saddness is raw. Also m’y sistre in Law is saying hé did it be cause hé inherited thé gêne for dépression from our Family my father was diagnoses as bi polar in thé late 60s and died when i Was 13 we were physically abused as children m’y brother took his Life at 62 hé bécame à successful business leader was awarded thé MBE and was à millionnaire I feel his memory is being tarnished as hé was Not diagnoses as depressed and was only tréated for dépression 35 years ear lier at thé Time of our fathers death Are our children and grand children at à greater Risk of dépression be cause of our génétics?
Hi Rachelle,
I am sorry to hear about your story. The current consensus is that the vast majority of cases of depression are not influenced by our genetics, but by our behavior. Based on your response, there could be a number of causes of depression in your family, some of which could or could not be passed on to your children and grand children. I would suggest seeking a professional local to you, to delve deeper into your case and to find the answers that you are looking for.