Is Depression Hereditary Or Inherited?

Genetics and environmental factors for depression

Depression usually develops due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. It can be possible to have a genetic predisposition to depression, particularly if someone in your immediate family has experienced the disorder. However, this does not necessarily guarantee that you will ever develop depression. Treatments usually involve a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Getting regular physical activity, having a strong support system, practicing emotional awareness and intelligence, implementing regular self-care, and developing adaptive coping skills may defend against the development of depression. If you’re experiencing depression symptoms or any other mental health concerns, reaching out to a therapist can be helpful.

What is depression?

Researchers at the American Psychiatric Association generally define depression as a “common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.” While sadness can be a typical part of the human experience and something everyone feels on occasion, if your feelings persist for weeks or even years, affect how you perform at home, work, or other parts of your life, and cause you physical or emotional distress, you may be living with depression or another mood disorder. Depression can be treatable, and though no permanent cure may currently exist, you can often effectively manage symptoms to reduce their impact. 

Common depression symptoms

Symptoms of depression can affect you psychologically, emotionally, and physically.

Psychological symptoms 

Symptoms that affect how you think can include trouble concentrating, thinking, or making decisions, fixating on past failures, or anhedonia, the inability to be interested in or enjoy things you used to like. 

Symptoms may also include suicidal thoughts or actions.

Emotional symptoms

Depression can affect your emotional stability by causing intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness, consistently depressed mood, irritability, frequent crying, and excessive guilt.

Physical symptoms

Many people experience physical depression symptoms, such as drastic changes to eating habits or sleep patterns, weight loss or gain, low energy and persistent fatigue, difficulty sitting still, pacing, decreased speed of speech, thoughts, and movements, and unexplained pains with no apparent cause, such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle pain. 

Is depression hereditary or inherited from family genes?

What causes and increases the risk of depression?

While depression often runs in families, researchers haven't yet named a definitive cause for the disorder. Instead, the medical community generally believes depression develops due to a complex interaction of biological factors, such as genetics, and environmental factors, such as personal experiences. 

Common risk factors for depression may include the following:

• Genetics and family history

• Significant changes to life circumstances

• Traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder

• Certain physical illnesses

• Medication interactions

• Brain chemistry irregularities

• Severe stress

• Biological differences in the brain

• Hormonal imbalances

• Low self-esteem

• Lack of emotional support

• Poor sleep hygiene

• Inadequate nutritional intake

• Inability to get reliable necessities, such as food, clothing, or shelter

• Abuse, neglect, or other trauma during childhood

Brain chemistry and depression

In the late 1950s, chemical imbalance theory suggested a potential link between the neurotransmitter serotonin and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and other mood, personality, and behavior disorders. 

However, scientific evidence has generally disproved the theory in the years since it originated. While the original idea wasn’t necessarily correct, it led to decades of research studying the connection between mental health and brain chemistry. 

It can be important to remember that while neurochemistry may not play the role that was initially theorized, it can affect many physical and emotional functions, such as sleep, behavior patterns, memory formation and recollection, appetite, mood, cognitive processes, pleasure, stress responses, arousal, and brain development.  

Is depression hereditary: Biological and family genetics vs. environmental factors

Biological factors, such as genetics, brain function, and neurochemistry, likely play a significant role in whether a person develops depression. However, environmental factors like your personal history, current circumstances, and level of emotional support can also substantially impact depression prevalence. While researchers don't know precisely how much biological and environmental factors affect depression development, both are often involved.  

Treatments for depression

Depression is often treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication. A comprehensive depression treatment plan often includes adaptive coping skills and meaningful changes to lifestyle, behaviors, and cognitive patterns as well. 

Psychotherapy

Working with a licensed therapist can be a standard treatment for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used because it normally focuses on the connection between how you think and the way you feel and behave. You’ll generally examine past experiences and how they affect your current thinking, as well as identify harmful thought patterns with the support of a mental health professional. Then, you may work to shift toward healthier thoughts, which can contribute to improved moods and adapted behaviors. 

Stages of talk therapy treatment for depression include:

• Acute: Six to eight weeks of therapy to relieve symptoms enough to allow you to function daily

• Continuation: Four to nine months of therapy centered on ongoing relief until symptoms stop, then sustaining your progress

• Maintenance: Long-term therapy that is often recommended for those with a high risk for recurring depression

Medication

Please speak to your doctor or psychiatrist if you’re interested in trying medication options for depression treatment. While medication can effectively treat depression symptoms in many people, it can be important to remember that it does not typically address the underlying condition. 

Is depression hereditary: What to do if you have a family history of depression

If you may be genetically predisposed to developing depression, you might consider the following methods to mitigate the risk that you will develop the disorder. 

Stay physically active if you have predisposed genes for depression

Exercise can release endorphins, which can be defined as neurochemicals with beneficial effects that can boost your mood. Regular physical activity can act as an early line of defense to safeguard your mental health if you have a genetic predisposition toward depression. 

Build a robust and active support system

Social isolation can contribute to the severity of depression symptoms, along with being a symptom itself. Try to avoid social withdrawal by maintaining active social connections with friends and family. Use your emotional support network when you’re having trouble managing your feelings. 

Practice emotional intelligence, awareness, and literacy

Develop your sense of emotional intelligence to recognize and understand how you're feeling. Emotional awareness can ensure you can identify your feelings, anticipate reactions, and choose an appropriate coping mechanism. Emotional literacy can help you effectively communicate your feelings and needs to those closest to you. Depression may have a more challenging time taking root if you are aware of your emotions and know how to efficiently process the feelings associated with the disorder. 

Safeguard your mental health, physical, and emotional well-being

Practice a regular self-care routine that safeguards your overall health and well-being. Get plenty of exercise, eat a balanced diet, and develop healthy sleep hygiene. 

Develop adaptive coping skills for the inherited risk or predisposition

Coping skills can involve anything that helps you through difficult situations. If you have healthy, practical ways to address your stress and emotional reactions, you will likely recognize depression symptoms early and seek help. 

When to reach out for help for your mental health

It may be time to seek professional help from your doctor or mental healthcare provider if you experience depression symptoms causing you distress for at least two weeks at a severity strong enough to interfere with your functional ability at work, home, school, or other parts of your life.

Benefits of online therapy

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression that are negatively impacting your life, it may be challenging to leave the house, even to attend therapy. If this is the case for you, you might consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional through an online therapy platform from the comfort and convenience of your home. You can generally choose between phone call, video call, and online chat for your sessions, empowering you to personalize your therapy experience.

Efficacy of online therapy

A 2020 study investigating the efficacy of online CBT for depression in comparison to the efficacy of in-person treatment found that online therapy was typically just as effective as face-to-face therapy. If you’re living with depression symptoms, online therapy may be a valid treatment choice for you.