Depression and Heredity: Is Depression Genetic?

Over a thousand studies have been conducted on the genetic basis and heredity of depression, major depressive disorder, and other depressive disorders. These studies have spanned analyses of candidate genes, genome-wide association studies, genome-wide sequencing, family and twin studies. They’ve evaluated the significance of particular genetic variations that signal increased risk of depression. If you have close relatives and family members who are diagnosed with depression, you or a loved one may have a predisposition to developing psychiatric disorders, particularly in the face of stressful life events.

All have concluded that the contribution of genetic factors to the risk of the onset of Depressive Disorders is quite large.1 However, they have also found that while major depression is a familial disorder, and its familiality mostly or entirely results from genetic influences; the development of depression also relies on environmental factors specific to an individual.2 Because major depression is a complex disorder, it results from a combination of both environmental and genetic influences–these results and findings are not mutually exclusive. A family history of mental health conditions, in combination with external stressor, can contribute to the prevalence of depression.

Most recently, researchers used a meta-analysis to report “a genome-wide significant locus for depression that implicates genes that are highly plausible for involvement in the etiology of recurrent depression.”3 While they did not locate the exact genetic components, or a “depression gene,” the increased data and information helped to point them into a closer direction of which chromosomes are affected specifically in the heritability of depression.

What is Depression?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been ranked as the third cause of the burden of disease worldwide.4 Symptoms of major depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Depression can affect individuals of varying ages and other demographics. While depression is more commonly diagnosed among women, men may experience more stigma regarding mental health difficulties, which prevents them from seeking help. Causes of depression can vary, including generics, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies

Psychiatric Treatment for Depression

There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors. 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNIs)are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management

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What Are Different Types of Depression?

Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several forms of depression, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of mental health depression conditions, it does highlight some of the most common:

  • Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar Depression)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
  • Psychotic Depression
  • Depressive Episode
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Depression Disorder Near Me?

Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.

We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.

Verify Your Insurance

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Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

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AMFM Depression Treatment Center Locations

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center has multiple inpatient and outpatient treatment centers offering major depressive disorder treatments. California, Virginia, and Washington locations offer you or your loved one mental health programming and mental health crisis services at the highest level of care. We provide comprehensive case management, a variety of evidence-based therapies, behavioral health services, and a safe and supportive environment for wellness. We are strategically placed to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs. To find out more about our facilities, contact us. Explore our locations below to find the one nearest to you.

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, contact us.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching terms like “mental health treatment near me” in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA.These locations in Virginia specialized treatment to meet your specific mental health care needs. 

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care.

Hotline Numbers for Severe Depression

If you are in need of immediate emotional help, national mental health crisis response helplines offer confidential assistance regardless of where you are. These hotlines are staffed by professionals ready to provide 24/7 mental health assistance. They provide critical support and resources, ensuring you can access help whenever you need it, no matter your location.

AMFM Mental Health Program

If you’re seeking mental health support or depression treatment, consider reaching out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment. Our team has a 24/7 call center ready to provide the help you need. Contact us today at (866) 478-4383 to learn more about our nearby emotional crisis intervention programs and mental health crisis services, and begin your path to better days. Additionally, our team can connect you with the national suicide prevention lifeline if necessary.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you’re in need of immediate support or experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is here for you. Call 988 or text the crisis text line at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can provide help and support. The suicide prevention and crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day via phone call or text, in English and Spanish. The federally-mandated crisis number 988 was made available in 2022 to all landline and cell phone users at no charge. Visit 988lifeline.org‌ for more information.

1-800-950-nami

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a national helpline with support services available via text, phone call, or online chat. The NAMI Helpline is a confidential support line that is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET, and is free of cost. If you are looking to find help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Shadrina M, Bondarenko EA, Slominsky PA. Genetics Factors in Major Depression Disease. Front Psychiatry. 2018 Jul 23;9:334. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00334. PMID: 30083112; PMCID: PMC6065213.

Sullivan PF, Neale MC, Kendler KS. Genetic epidemiology of major depression: review and meta-analysis. Am J Psychiatry. 2000 Oct;157(10):1552-62. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.157.10.1552. PMID: 11007705.

Breen G, Webb BT, Butler AW, van den Oord EJ, Tozzi F, Craddock N, Gill M, Korszun A, Maier W, Middleton L, Mors O, Owen MJ, Cohen-Woods S, Perry J, Galwey NW, Upmanyu R, Craig I, Lewis CM, Ng M, Brewster S, Preisig M, Rietschel M, Jones L, Knight J, Rice J, Muglia P, Farmer AE, McGuffin P. A genome-wide significant linkage for severe depression on chromosome 3: the depression network study. Am J Psychiatry. 2011 Aug;168(8):840-7. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.10091342. Epub 2011 May 15. PMID: 21572164.

Bains N, Abdijadid S. Major Depressive Disorder. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/