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The Genetic Effects of Depression
In response to the question, “How are genetics associated with Major Depressive
Disorder?” This paper will examine the ways in which genetics affect the levels of Major
Depressive Disorder and, how they affect an iindividuals personality.
Keywords: major depressive disorder, genetics, personality.
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The Genetic Effects of Depression
Depression is one of the most commonly know diseases that affect mental health. The
study of depression left researchers to wonder what are the genetic effects of depression? The
research found that women have a higher risk of more severe depression than their male counter
parts, younger individuals that develop depression have a higher risk for suicide and sleep
altering symptoms, it was also found that depression symptoms can be related to personality
traits. While we study things such as depression and how it effects it, we must keep in mind the
one who created us and his thoughts on the things we learn.
Higher Chance of More Severe Cases
There have numerous studies that show women have a higher chance of not only having
depression but having a higher risk of more severe depression than that of their male conter
parts. The main article that will be pulled for this topic used sets of twins to determine if
depression was more genitic oriented or environmental. This study proved to show that women,
as compared to men, are twice as likely to develop depression. It was also found for sets of twins
that are adopted there have been inconsisterncies on if depression was caused by the
enviornment. This is one of the weaknesses to this study as it is unclear on if Major Depressive
Disorder levles are affected by the enviornement. One of the strengths of this research study is
the use of twins as they have more common genetic traits than that of paternal siblings. This
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research connects to the topic through researching if familial genes to determine if the
heridiability of major depressive disorder. A study done with asian women study the affects in
symptoms for major depressive disorder based on age, this study proved that younger adults have
more suicidal tendencies than that of older adults.
Sleep and the Genetics of Depression
The symptoms of depression are by no means anything to discount, with the theory of
genetic markers having some level of influence on depression symptoms makes it all the more
important. Take into account individuals who suffer with Major Depressive Disorder have a
higher chance of more fragmented REM sleep; it is important to note that MDD is not the only
reason for fragmented REM sleep. REM sleep is Rapid Eye Movement sleep. REM sleep is
important to human function as it is shown to consolidate memories, whether good or bad. This
study focused on adolescents. The purpose for this study was to determine if the effects of
depression was related to REM sleep fragmentation and if these effects would strengthen the
genetic vulnerability to depression. With every journal article this is positive and negative
aspects. In the case study one of the negatives is also a positive. As REM sleep consolidates both
positive and negative memories. Another disadvantage is that this study only evaluated REM
sleep for one night, more nights could give a more accurate reading. The relevance that this study
has to the topic is that the study showed that the sleep affects of MDD can have long term
consequences that can write it’s self into our genetics. Another study that used two generations
of family members and this study showed even further that the symptoms that we associated with
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vegetative states such as appetite changes, loss of energy, insomnia, and weight change, were
more associated with young adults rather than older adults.
Personality Vs. Genetics
In order to understand the importance of personality traits for this topic of research you
have to understand the connection of personality to genetics. Personality traits are things that we
develop based on genetics. This study showed that depression that was written into our genetics
affected personality traits. A study done that used sets of twins that were both identical and non
identical showed that some genetic vairences that were related to certain personality traits gave
reason to all of the variance of genetics on the traits that were associated with anxiety as well as
depression. The positive side to this study is that it made advancements in the study of the
difference in the symptoms that affect the personality traits such as anxiety and depression. The
negative side to this study is that they used shorter time intervals for the study and the research
relied solely on self reported data. Another study while focusing on individuals who suffer from
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder otherwise known as OCD, it still proved that depression
symptoms can be overpowering sometimes. This study showed that even with the basics of
depression control methods there were still strong feelings of suicidality.
The Creater Understands
While these things that we learn can be painful there are many things to keep in mind.
The bible reminds us in Phillipians 4:6-7 (ESV) that we can go to him with our feelings of worry
and depression. This is important to us as these feelings of worry and depression are ones that
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English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Phillipians 4:6-7
English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Proverbs 12:25
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