Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest and pleasure, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. It can significantly affect daily life and functioning. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Individualized approaches are often necessary to effectively manage depression. The assessment of the Polygenic Index Score for depression is based on the examination of 96 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for depression is included along with 15 other diseases in Genetic Screening for Diseases of the Nervous System, Polygenic Risk Score.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
The exact causes of depression are unknown, although, as with other mental disorders, various factors such as physical changes in the brain, alterations in neurotransmitter levels, and/or changes in hormonal balance (e.g., pregnancy and postpartum) may occur.
In addition to the above, several risk factors may favor the triggering of depression. Among them:
- Age: it is more frequent in adults, although it can appear at any time of life.
- It is more common in women.
- Having low self-esteem or being overly dependent can increase susceptibility to depression.
- Traumatic or stressful situations, such as losing a loved one or financial problems.
- Family history of other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide.
- History of other disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders.
- Alcohol and drug abuse.
- Other illnesses, such as cancer or chronic pain.
- Certain medications.
Symptoms
Depression may occur once in a lifetime or recur repeatedly. During this period, symptoms may include:
- Feelings of sadness or despondency, tearfulness or hopelessness.
- Mood swings and irritability.
- Loss of interest in most usual activities.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Tiredness and lack of energy.
- Lack of appetite and weight loss.
- Slowness to speak, to reason, or to move.
- A feeling of guilt.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Negative thoughts that may include suicidal thoughts.
Prevention
Prevention programs have been shown to reduce the risk of depression. Among community strategies, school programs to promote a positive coping model among children, interventions for parents of children with behavioral problems, and exercise programs for the elderly stand out.
In addition, other strategies may be helpful:
- Avoid stress.
- Lean on family and friends to get you through times of crisis.
- Seek treatment at the first signs of a problem (mainly psychological).
- Undergo long-term supportive treatment to prevent the recurrence of symptoms in cases of recurrent depression.
