Is depression genetic?

Genetic factors play an important role in major depression and bipolar disorder. These are illnesses in which familial patterns are often apparent, particularly in bipolar disorder, where a first-degree relative (a child) has an approximately 25 percent chance of having the disorder if one parent is afflicted and a 50 percent chance if both parents are.

In major depression, the familial tendency is less marked. There are no particular preventive measures to be taken beyond this general advice: Pick your relatives carefully (especially your parents), try to avoid misfortune, enjoy good health, and live a good life. One might hope that an acknowledgment of heightened risk would be accompanied by greater insight into the nature of depression, its early recognition, and a lowering of the barriers to treatment.

More like Is depression genetic? . . .

Diagnosing depression

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Depression treatment - Light therapy

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Depression treatment - Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or "talk" therapy can be provided as a short-term form of psychological counseling. Psychotherapy usually can be effective in

Depression treatment - Self care

While psychotherapy and antidepressants can be effective treatments for depression, there are steps you can take on your own to keep

Depression - Choosing a doctor or therapist

Your options, of course, will vary depending on your health plan. Typically a general health care provider -- a family physician, internist

Depression resources - Organizations

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) http://www.dbsalliance.org/ 730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501 Chicago, Illinois 60654-7225

Depression- Glossary

ANXIETY DISORDER: a disorder in which an individual is chronically and extremely anxious to such an extent that it limits his or her

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