Minneapolis St. Paul Mental Health Blog

Depression, is there a Genetic Connection? Mental Health Minneapolis

Is there a Genetic link to Depression?

While many suffer from depression, the underlying core information or genetic links to it are still being studied to better understand cause / effect.  In this study excerpt by the Harvard review of Psychiatry, the complexity of depression and its  origins continue to baffle researchers.  So, in the meantime what do we do to better understand depression, and treat it?
 
We know that depression is known to run in families. Based on studies of twins, it's estimated that genetic factors account for about 40 percent of the variation in population risk of depression.  So, we need to keep pushing forward with larger studies and more data to seek patterns that lead to better outcomes. knowing that there are many factors that lead to depression help explain that there is not one size therapy for all.  
 

Genetics matter in treating depression, it is our goal as a society to give patients what they need to improve their current condition and lead productive lives.


 

An excerpt from the study:
In contrast to their success identifying genes associated with other psychiatric disorders, genome-wide association studies have yet to find any genetic variants associated with depression, according to a report in the January Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
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Risky Behaviors, a learned experience for all of us | Maternal Health help


Always seeking new information that benefits patients and communities struggling with Mental Health, here is another study that sheds a focused light on maternal health.  

Looking back oftentimes helps us understand where we are today and develop an action plan to where we want to be in the future.  
 
( Reuters Health) - Having a depressed mother during elementary or middle school raises the likelihood a child will engage in risky behaviors like drinking and smoking during the teen years, according to a new study.  (article first appeared in pediatricsaapublications.org)

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Seasonal Affective Disorder | Do you have it? What to do?

Do I have SAD?  | The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. 

They may sleep too much, have little energy, and may also feel depressed.  We have to agree, and with winter here in Minnesota, you get lots of cloud cover and bitter cold, all adding to the components that can lead to SAD.

Seasonal affective disorder also known as SAD or winter depression, the winter blues or seasonal depression.  This affects millions of people, education and understanding of this pattern is important to finding out how to best treat it.

What are the signs and symptoms?

  • Difficulty waking up
  • Nausea
  • Tendency to oversleep and overeat
  • Craving for carbohydrates (leading to weight gain)
  • Lack of energy to perform daily activities
  • Difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities, and decreased sex drive

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