Is Depression Hereditary? Exploring the Genetic Factors of Depression

If you’ve got a family member with depression, it’s natural to wonder or perhaps worry about the likelihood of developing depression yourself. While genetics can play a role in developing depression, this isn’t the be all, end all, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop the illness for sure.

Conversely, you might be currently experiencing depression and wondering whether it’s due to genetics rather than other factors.

Whatever the reason, Medmate explores the genetics factors of depression in this post, and explains how we can help you or a loved one who’s suffering from depression:

Genetics can play a role in depression

There is a lot of evidence to support that depression can run in families, leading to increased genetic risk. Stanford Medicine states that it’s possible that in most cases of depression, around 50% of the cause is genetic, and around 50% is unrelated to genes (psychological or physical factors). This doesn’t mean that you’re bound to experience depression if a close family member has the mood disorder; environmental factors still play a significant role in its development.

Genetics aren’t a certain indicator or predictor of depression

While depression can be hereditary, you won’t automatically develop depression because your parent or close relative has it. Other factors also play a role in the development of depression, such as:

Personality style

Some personality styles are more prone to experiencing depression than others. Those who are naturally anxious, personally reserved, self-critical and rejection-sensitive have a higher likelihood of developing depression:

Environmental factors

Environmental factors also play a role in experiencing depression. Working a job you don’t find rewarding or satisfying, being in a dysfunctional relationship, and having a low socioeconomic status (SES) can all increase risk of depression.

Brain chemistry

Abnormal brain chemistry has been shown to affect depression. In people with depression, mood regulating neurotransmitters don’t function normally; their signal is depleted or disrupted, limiting the transmission of important chemicals such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine which are key for mood regulation and happiness.

What to do if a close relative has depression

The most important thing is not whether or not you have a relative with depression; it’s to seek help when you feel you need it. Getting the right treatment for depression is always the best solution, and there isn’t much point in worrying about having depression passed down to you. Medmate helps people with depression get the best possible treatment and feel their normal selves again.

How Medmate can help with depression?

If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, contact Medmate for a telehealth consultation today. Medmate is Australia’s specialist telehealth provider, helping Australians take steps to treat depression, anxiety and a range of other mental illnesses. Our empathetic clinicians and online psychologists are with you every step of the way.

Book in for a consult today and begin the road to feeling better.