Depression Gene

Depression is a complex disorder caused by a variety of reasons. Substance abuse, conflicts. Death of a loved one, some medical conditions and medications can cause depression. Recent studies reveal that a new depression gene is associated with this disorder. Identification of depression gene is difficult for scientists, as the combination of environmental and genetic factors contributes to depression. The National Institute of Mental Health says a mutant TPH2 gene coded for brain enzyme was discovered to be the depression gene.

Depression Hereditary

Major episodes of depression affect around 20% of people at some point of their lives. 4% of them experience severe and recurring depression symptoms. Many people believe that life experiences and personality factors cause depression. However, scientists think depression hereditary contributes to around 40% of the risk of developing the disorder and the remaining is contributed by environmental and other factors. Studies of twins have showed some evidences that depression hereditary increases the risk significantly. Genes play a vital role in developing melancholic depression and some personality styles increase the risk of developing non melancholic depression.

Depression Genetic Risks

If you have the history of depression in your family, you can take steps to reduce your depression genetic risks.  You can find out whether your children are susceptible to depression genetic risks by observing for some symptoms keenly. Symptoms of anxiety like fear of loud noises, extreme nail biting and imaginary creatures could contribute to the onset of depression in the child’s teen age. If there is depression in your family and the children have anxiety problems, then they have high risk for developing depressive disorder in the later stage of their life.  Undiagnosed depression can cause serious effects, including suicidal attempts. It is therefore important for the families to recognize and learn to cope with depression symptoms.

Depression In Your Family

If the parents are depressed, the children receive less care and attention. The stressful environment at home increases their genetic risk significantly. If you have depression in your family and want to protect your children from that risk, you first need to get treatment for your depression symptoms. There are numerous ways to alleviate depression symptoms. Depression medications like antidepressants are available to reduce the severity of depression. However, before taking any medication, you need to consult with your doctor and tell him/her about your family history. This helps the doctor to choose the right treatment method for you.

Therapy for Depression

Psychotherapy, various depression treatment options and cognitive behavioral therapy can also help you get rid of depression symptoms. Also different types of herbs have shown positive effects like depression remedy olive leaf extract. Getting the right amount of sleep can help you get relief from depression. Many studies show that sleep deprivation can increase the depression genetic risk. Getting enough rest can help you reduce your risk significantly. It is important to do some sort of exercises daily. Exercises help to pump endorphins, the hormone making you feel good, throughout your body. This in turn helps elevate your mood and provide great relaxation. Making friends, visiting the places you like most and engaging in an activity that keeps you relaxed are some of the simple ways to cope with depression.