Is depression hereditary? If so why?

Answer 1

It is agreed among most practising psychiatrists that depression does indeed have a hereditary component.
As to why... the evidence points to it. They have not, however, isolated the gene for depression at this time.
It is also thought that there is a large environmental impact as well. When the parent is depressed, the offspring learn that behavior.

Answer 2

I too think depression can be hereditary in some cases. It runs along all the females in my family for generations even though some had no contact with the others to get that whole "learned behavior" thing from.
If you are feeling depressed you should get some help. If you think it runs in your family you are a great case for the biology of it and most likely will need medication to come out of it. You may not have a "reason" per se to feel depressed because your brain is working with a chemical imbalance.

Answer 3

Everyone seems to think it is, but I keep wondering if you can overcome it with a healthy diet and exercise. I even read eating bananas can help sufferers of depression. People who think they are depressed should get on the web and start looking into foods for depression before they start taking loads and loads of medications. I think its worth looking into. ....

Answer 4

Yes it is, My grandfather had it and I sometimes suffer from bouts of it.

Answer 5

my great grandma was, my grandma was, mom is and so i am i. others in my family have it, it runs in the family for some reason. so i think it can be.