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.
