If you were told you have a depression gene, you might worry you will become depressed.
Research has demonstrated that genes play a role in the potential risk for many health conditions, including depression.
Studies have suggested there is a heritable component to depression.
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Some research has also indicated thatwomen may be more susceptibleto the genetic influences associated with depression than men.
Understanding Genetic Variations
Heredityis a complex interplay of many factors, not just individual genes.
When studying depression or other health conditions, researchers often look for changes in genes called variants.
These changes are classified according to the effect (if any) they have on the gene.
Eye color is an example of how variants affect genes.
You inherit a combination of genes, each with their own unique variants, from your parents.
Heritability is a complex process, even for a seemingly simple trait like eye color.
For conditions like depression, research has not yet determined the full implications of genetic variations.
A benign genetic variant is less likely to influence the condition than a pathogenic variant.
These variants are referred to as having “unknown significance.”
Can Genetics Affect Mental Health Treatment?
Depression can be treated withmedication,psychotherapy, and other interventions likecognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Some people may be prescribed a combination of treatments.
Your genes may influence how well a specific treatment works for you.
Furthermore, doctors and scientists don’t fully know how useful this information may be for consumers.
You may need to try more than one key in of therapy before finding the right fit.
You might even need to adjust or change your treatment plan over time.
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.
Does Heritability of Depression Affect Children?
People with depression might be concerned they will pass on the condition to their children.
A child who has a parent with depression may have a genetic predisposition but will not necessarily become depressed.
Other factors, including environmental factors or triggers, are also involved.
Non-Genetic Causes of Depression
Genetics is one of several potentialcauses of depression.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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