Is Depression Hereditary

Is Depression Hereditary

Exactly how people become depressed still remains a mystery, and “is depression hereditary” has become a common question asked by those with depression.

Experts largely agree that the origins of depression could be caused by a mixture of genetic and other reasons such as stress.

The hormone serotonin serves a crucial role within our brain chemistry. The level of serotonin within the brain has a major affect on our emotions, thinking and behavior. Given that anti depressants modify the amount of serotonin within the brain, it’s always been thought that the hormone plays a part in the forming of mental illness. As a result, the level of serotonin which your body makes and keeps seems to be vital in the struggle against depression. Since the TPH2 gene is a key part in controlling the serotonin level, experts believe that TPH2 plays a part in the development of psychiatric disorders.

Scientists have also been looking at the function of TPH2 in the development of manic depression and depression. In order to help clarify if depression is hereditary, they’ve compared the genetic variations among people with depression and healthy people, and they’ve shown that TPH2 is involved in the development of manic depression and depression. Their research brings us one step nearer to answering the question “is depression hereditary?”

Reference for: Is Depression Hereditary

Tags: