Can DNA Reveal Your Depression?

Gene testing for depression can reveal your genetic predisposition to the affliction. Upload your raw DNA data to learn more.

Genetic science can now identify specific genes that increase your likelihood of developing depression.  In fact, scientists now maintain that at least 40% of depression has a hereditary basis. This is particularly powerful information:  if you know that you have a genetic predisposition to depression, you can take steps in your life to limit the kind of environmental factors that may trigger this potentially debilitating condition.

Is There a Genetic Test for Depression?

YES.

 Geneticists have actually identified specific genes, especially chromosome 3p25-26, that correlate significantly with depression.  

Psychiatrists have always known that depression runs in families, because those with a parent or sibling who suffer from depression are 5X more likely to suffer from depression.  (However, living with a parent who suffers from depression also creates an environmental factor:   children who grow up around a depressed parent may think their behavior is “normal”.) Having an established genetic marker for depression is a truly powerful diagnostic tool that promises to help millions of people around the world.  It’s a massive achievement for genetic science.

Why Does Depression Matter?

Depression is universally recognized by the international medical community as a serious public health problem. With 10% of the population experiencing depression at some point in their life, it’s a disease that affects all of us.  

Depression can be a debilitating and psychologically-painful condition that can prevent people from working or carrying out the activities of daily life.  It is comorbid with many other psychological and physical illnesses.  At its worst, depression is the leading cause of suicide. Depression and self-harm/suicide are considered “priority conditions” by the World Health Organization, which actively supports therapeutic intervention to help people suffering from depression.

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What is Depression?

More than two weeks of sustained impairment of daily activities is considered the threshold for a diagnosis of depression.  (In other words, if you spend a week crying over a break-up, that’s just a healthy emotional response to life events – not clinical depression.) Depression is characterized by a lack of interest in activities that a person typically enjoys.  People report “having trouble getting out of bed”, which speaks to a general failure of motivation.

Other common symptoms include:

• poor concentration
• feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
• hopelessness about the future
• thoughts about dying or suicide
• disrupted sleep
• changes in appetite or weight
• feeling very tired or low in energy.

There’s Always Help for Depression

If you have experienced these symptoms for over two weeks, it’s time to visit a therapist. If you are suffering from thoughts of suicide, it’s time to go to the hospital.  

In the United States, you can be placed on a emergency hold for up to 72 hours if you report suicidal ideation.  This is the way to receive immediate treatment, and there are therapies (pharmaceutical and otherwise) that can help you feel better very quickly. Depression is extremely well-studied, and many treatments are available. However, the disease often limits the sufferer’s ability to be assertive and seek help.  If you need help right now, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP for free, confidential assistance.  There is a way out.

Genetics & Environment:  Combined Factors in Depression

At any age, and regardless of whether there is already depression present in your family, knowing that you have a genetic predisposition to depression is very important to your long-term health.  This information can be an important part of a treatment plan in-and-of itself.  The test can also help you understand whether occasional sadness and mood swings may be a sign of potential major depression to come. Getting into therapy early and getting the medical treatment you need can make a huge difference when it comes to avoiding or treating depression.

When it comes to depression, you need to consider both your genetics and potential environmental stressors.  Even if you have a genetic predisposition, your environment plays a critical role in determining whether you actually develop the condition.

Can My DNA Profile Help Me Avoid Depression?

YES.

People with a gene for depression who avoid highly stressful life events may never struggle from depression.  It’s not guaranteed – but it’s 100% worth trying.  Whether you struggle with depression or not, genetic testing for depression can reveal valuable information about yourself. Learning that you have this genetic predisposition can help you plan your life to avoid stressful events or help you to explain the depression that you are experiencing. Having mild signs of depression confirmed by genetic testing can enable you to seek out help before symptoms get worse. 

You can determine whether you have a genetic predisposition to depression with Genomelink.