Are depression or suicidal thoughts inherited?
There does seem to be a genetic link to depression. Studies have shown that there is a 25 percent chance of a child getting depression if one parent has depression. If both parents have depression, the risk increases to 75 percent. Environmental factors can also trigger depression. For instance, teens can become depressed as a result of unresolved grief over losses and stressful life events. Often, however, there is a combination of biological and environmental factors that cause depression. Studies with twins have shown that an identical twin has a 30-40% chance of getting depression if the other twin has depression. However, for fraternal twins, the risk is only 15-20%, which suggests that there is interplay of both factors. Suicidal thoughts can be a sign of depression. Major depression is the major risk factor for suicide.
There does seem to be a genetic link to depression. Studies have shown that there is a 25 percent chance of a child getting depression if one parent has depression. If both parents have depression, the risk increases to 75 percent. Environmental factors can also trigger depression. For instance, teens can become depressed as a result of unresolved grief over losses and stressful life events. Often, however, there is a combination of biological and environmental factors that cause depression. Studies with twins have shown that an identical twin has a 30-40% chance of getting depression if the other twin has depression. However, for fraternal twins, the risk is only 15-20%, which suggests that there is interplay of both factors. Suicidal thoughts can be a sign of depression. Major depression is the major risk factor for suicide. Studies suggest that approximately 90% suicides were committed by people with major depression or another diagnosable and treatable mental disorder, such as bipo
