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.
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.
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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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:
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.
What to Expect
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Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.
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Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
Our AMFM treatment center in Southern California can provide individualized care for mood dysregulation concerns in adulthood. With individualized care, you can receive the support you need for lasting mental health wellness.
Our residential mental health treatment facilities in Virginia can provide you with individualized and comprehensive care for all your mental health needs. Our treatment programs blend the use of traditional and holistic therapies to provide you with whole-person care.
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.
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.
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.
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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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/
