Depression is hereditary: how serious is it?

Depression is not “just a bad mood" or “inability to pull yourself together.” And one of the most common diseases. And scientists believe that genes can play an important role here. Let's figure out what this could mean.

Clinical vs. Psychogenic depression

There are several types of depression. And some of them are more influenced by genetics. For example, clinical depression. According to studies, people whose relatives have suffered or are suffering from depression are five times more likely to develop it. And the heritability rate for diagnosed depression can be as high as 40%.

At the same time, psychogenic (or situational) depression is the result of exposure to environmental factors. And everyone can experience it, even people with the healthiest heredity – due to difficult moments in life (parting or divorce, bankruptcy, death of loved ones, etc.). But situational depression can develop into clinical depression. Therefore, the question of genetics here is not so unambiguous.

So what about legacy?

British researchers have studied families in which several members suffer from depression. And in many, they isolated the same chromosome 3p25-26 – the so-called "gene for depression and sadness." Other studies have found a link between MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and the 5-HHTLPR gene, which is most common in people with this diagnosis. There is a possibility that it affects the production of serotonin. But more evidence is needed.

It turns out that you can inherit a gene that makes you more likely to develop depression, but you cannot inherit the disease itself. Already good. But the likelihood of developing this disorder is much higher if you were not just born, but grew up surrounded by people suffering from depression. Because they could adopt their behavior pattern.

Such a mysterious serotonin

Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters that affects our mood. And its low level in the body becomes one of the causes of depression. But not only the discovered 5-HHTLPR gene can influence serotonin. The turning point can be both genetics and external factors. The connection is simple: something good happens – serotonin rises, bad – vice versa. Scientists are trying to understand whether people can be born with serotonin deficiency syndrome (when their brain is simply not able to cope with this substance). But so far no definite answer has been found.

But something else is known. Hereditary problems with the gastrointestinal tract can affect the production of serotonin! Since serotonin resides in this compartment, diseases of the digestive system can impair the ability to produce it.

Who gets depression more often?

See how to study. The figures show that women are more likely to suffer from this disease. But the quality of the study is also affected by the stigmatization of depressive disorders in men (and, in general, manifestations of any weaknesses and emotions). Because masculinity and resilience are still valued in society. Therefore, some men may be silent about their problems. And self-medicate. Which, it is not difficult to guess, does not lead to anything good in most cases.