> Depression

• Alternative Names
• Symptoms & Characteristics
• Treatment
• How Common Is It?
• Genetics & Inheritance
• Genetic Testing
• Support & More Information

Alternative Names

Clinical depression; Dysthymic disorder; Major depressive disorder; Unipolar depression; depression

Symptoms & Characteristics

Unipolar disorder, commonly called depression, is a serious medical illness. Affected people are constantly feeling down which can interfere with everyday life. Common symptoms may include:

• sadness

• loss of interest or enjoyment in activities

• weight gain or loss

• trouble sleeping or oversleeping

• fatigue

• feelings of shame and worthlessness

• suicidal thoughts

Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 15 and 30.

Treatment

Treatment may include medications (antidepressants), psychological therapy or a combination of both. If someone notices or experiences any of the signs or symptoms common to depression, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

How Common Is It?

More than 20 million Americans are believed to be affected with depression.

• More women than men are affected with depression.

Genetics & Inheritance

The causes of depression are largely unknown. Depression is most likely a multifactorial condition, which means that it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.

It is currently well established that depression may also run in families. Researchers believe that there are probably a number of genes that contribute to the development of depression as well as affect a person's response to certain depression medications.

• Variations in at least 5 genes have been associated with depression and susceptibility to depression in some families, but no one gene has been strongly associated.

• Other yet to be identified or adequately classified genes may also contribute to depression.

The estimated recurrence risk for mental illness in a family depends on many factors. These factors may include the number of affected people in the family, the degree of relationship (close, distant) of the affected relatives, as well as the type(s) of mental illness. A genetic consultation with a trained genetic professional may be beneficial in assessing recurrence risk.

Genetic Testing

Clinical genetic testing for susceptibility to depression is currently unavailable. For more information on the genetics of depression, accurate diagnosis, and recurrence risk; use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.

• A medical geneticist can also be found at the American College of Medical Genetics website.

• A genetic counselor can also be found at the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.

Support & More Information

More information can be found at:

• MedlinePlus

Support can be found at:

• Mental Health America