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 ...

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