Genetics of Depression and Anxiety - Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment and Possible Cures. This article will discuss the genetics of depression and anxiety disorders in adults. Depression is the second most common mental illness in the world, and the third largest contributor to the worldwide disability. The Australian Genetics of Depression research was launched to investigate a large prospective Cohort of patients who have ever been diagnosed with major depression at some stage in their life.

Depression is more common in women than men, however, both sexes are equally at risk of developing this illness. Depression and anxiety can have many causes, including gene-deficiencies, brain injuries, traumatic events and family history. There is no proven link between any one single gene and depression or any single cause of anxiety or depression. In fact, there may even be genetic links to both conditions! A gene called monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) which is found low in people with mood disorders such as depression, may play a role in the recurrence of depression when it is suffered again.
It is believed that genetic and brain chemistry differences are responsible for different types of mood disorders. When a person experiences severe depression, it is not because he is sick or is depressed, but because his brain chemistry differs from his friends or family. It is not uncommon for a person to get depressed on his own, as well as with his friends or family. When a person suffers from depression for a prolonged time, he might develop symptoms like lack of concentration, fatigue, irritability, helplessness and worthlessness.
Research into the genetics of depression in adults has revealed that certain genes are more likely to be passed on to an offspring than others. The most common type of depression is depressive disorder, which is a combination of different symptoms including the inability to cope with stress, fatigue, poor memory and changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits. Scientists are not sure yet why some people inherit genes for depression while others do not. It could be because the genes determine how the body reacts to the environment or vice versa.
Depression can affect anyone at any age and it is more common in women than men. Studies show that a family history of depression is much more important than any other factor in causing depression. It is possible that this is because the depressed person finds it difficult to relate to others and have close relationships. Family members and friends are able to help a person suffering from the various types of disorders associated with depression and this may help them recover more quickly than if they had not been able to interact with others in the first place.
As the research into the genetics of depression continues, the search for the root cause of this disease will continue. It is believed that some of the problems linked to depression stem from hormone imbalances in the brain or liver, but there is no one particular virus or chemical that is thought to trigger the problems. Instead, it is thought that the problem is caused by combinations of factors that lead to different types of disorders.
When looking for the best treatment options, the geneticist is looking at the individual's family history and any previous symptoms. Once they find a match, the testing of their depression gene will then be performed. If this matches, then the treatment can begin and if it does not, then a supplement can be given that will assist in the repair of the damaged gene. There are a variety of medications that are used and they include antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
Just as the name implies, a person with depression inherits a gene that makes them more likely to experience depression. This does not mean that the person cannot overcome the disorder or that they are doomed to the condition forever. It simply means that there is hope for those who suffer from it and there is good news for them. Once the damage has been repaired, the sufferer can live a much happier life.
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