Describe the genetic factors and psychosocial factors involved in depression

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Biological factors underlying depression are genetic, neurological, chemical, and physiological components that may predispose or put someone at risk for developing a mood disorder.
Genetic Factors
Research studies comparing depression rates of identical twins with those of fraternal twins, who share only 50% of their genes, find that 40% to 60% of each individual's susceptibility to depression is explained by genetics. Researchers believe there is no single gene but rather a combination of genes that produces a risk, or predisposition, for developing a mood disorder.
Neurological Factors
Abnormal levels of a group of neurotransmitters, called the monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), can interfere with the functioning of the brain's communication networks and, in turn, put individuals at risk for developing mood disorders.
Researchers took computerized photos of the structure and function of living brains and compared brains of depressed patients with those of individuals with normal moods. Researchers reported that a brain area called the anterior cingulate cortex was overactive in very depressed patients. When the anterior cingulate cortex is overactive, it allows negative emotions to overwhelm thinking and mood. This and other research suggest that faulty brain structure or function contributes to the onset and/or maintenance of mood disorders.
Psychosocial factors, such as personality traits, cognitive styles, social supports, and the ability to deal with stressors, interact with predisposing biological factors to put one at risk for developing a mood disorder.
Stressful Life Events
Researchers found that stressful life events are strongly related to the onset of mood disorders, such as depression.
Negative Cognitive Style
Considerable research supports Aaron Beck's idea that depression may result from one's perceiving the world in a negative way, which in turn leads to feeling depressed. Having a negative cognitive style or negative way of thinking and perceiving can put one at risk for developing a mood disorder.
Personality Factors
Individuals who are especially sensitive to and overreact to negative events (such as rejections, criticisms) with feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, sadness, and anger are at risk for developing a mood disorder. Also, individuals who make their self-worth primarily dependent on what others say or think are at risk for becoming depressed when facing the end of a close personal relationship. Some individuals have a need for control, which puts them at risk for depression when they encounter uncontrollable stress.