Is Depression Genetic? An Experiment

Is Depression Genetic? An ExperimentResearch PlanQuantitated enquire is information salt away and the turnout of data via statistics and plays. The data iscollected through questionnaires, surveys or by manipulating pre-existingstatistical data. For example, calculating the number of raft who set up with first, this question stooge stick out a number of manifestations but cannotprovide an explanation to why people are depressed (Skills you need, 2018). Primaryresearch (field research) is inspected first hand by separates via surveys,interviews and observations. Variables of such(prenominal) research should be consideredwhen addressing the results in particular age groups, sex and number ofparticipants within a survey. Secondary research (desk research) involvescollection on existing research using primary research sources as a source ofdata to analyse. (Research Optimus, 2018)In order to complete the projectbrief a standby research technique has been applied op patternd to primaryresearch due to the absence of ethics committee within the college. The researchwill include looking at journal articles, statistics, legitimate websites andnewspaper articles with further reading. This will then allow analysis andevaluation of material in attempt to answer the tests question with an innocent perspective.23/02/2018 05/03/2018Decidedtopic begun research and closingised essay question with supervisor.06/03/2018 23/03/2018Continuedresearch and analysed data.24/03/2018 17/05/2018Assembledinformation into essay format final meeting with supervisor. Review work, conclude and evaluate.18/04/2018Submit the assignmentTable 1 Project eraline and KeyactivitiesThe research will focus on six-spot keyareasWhat is impression?Whos more likely to suffer fromdepression?What is the genetic explanation fordepression?What is the bio chemical explanationfor depression?What are the psychologicalexplanations of depression?What are the sociological explanationof depression?I nformation contained within thisessay will not be clear to debate as statistics collected are the result of a beingnesswide research being high in validity and reliability. Moral judgement,assumptions and personal opinions is not suitable or demand for the purposeof this essay. This essay will includeconflicting perspectives with the intention to enable the reader to form theirown conclusion. Throughout this essay efforts will be make to assess thevalidity and reliability of the information available such as governmentstatistics highlighted in reputable studies. Health and safety protocol will befollowed during the process of researching and assembling the essay such asregular breaks to reduce eye strain and upper limb problems. Information willbe referenced accurately ensuring plagiarism is avoided, whilst observing allethical and legal obligations at all times.IntroductionDepression is champion of the most common and serious un healthiness with devastating consequences in it s most server form, it is estimated that more than 300 million people suffer with depression worldwide (WHO, 2017) Depression is the most common psychical disorders within the UK and reports arouses that its hit a record high, increasing by nearly a third in the last four years. The total estimated number of people aliment with depression worldwide increased by 18.4% in the midst of 2005 and 2015 to 32 million according to the valet de chambre Health placement (Families for depression Awareness, 2017). This has prompted imperative calls for the government to ensure better health provisions are put in place, with the need to look deeper into this phenomenon to enable an understanding of the disorder enabling them to track it. Research has shown that depression does run in families, which could potentially mean that depression is genetic (inherited condition) NHS (2013). However, families dont just share genes they also experience kindred environments. Depression is a commo n and serious psychogenic disorder that negatively effects how we feel, how we act and how wethink (American Psychiatric Association, 2018). Depression is classified as a musical mode disorder that has an impact on both visible and mental health, affectinga large portion of the UK population with around 3 in 100 adults sufferingevery year (Mind Org, 2013). An episode of depression serious enough to requiretreatments occurs more commonly in 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men at some stagein their lives (Kalat, 2001). This could just be due to the fact women are moreopen to express their concerns and touch then men are or that women are morewilling/ likely to seek treatment. To meet the criteria for having depressionthe sufferer needfully to display at least 5 symptoms that are laid out by theDSM-IV (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of mental health disorders, 2013). WorldHealth Organisation WHO (2001), marks depression as when capacity forenjoyment, interest, reduced concentration and marked tiredness after evenminimum effort is common. The core symptoms of depression would intendpersistent sadness or low moods, loss of interest or pleasure in activities,disturbed sleep or tiredness, change in appetite, feeling worthless or inserver cases recurrent thoughts of death, excessive feelings of guilt andhopelessness (NHS, 2016). Its also common for people with depression todevelop physical symptoms such as headaches, palpitations, chest pains andhallucinations these are called psychotic symptoms. Depression is generally divided asfollows major depressive disorder, dysthymia, Bipolar disorder, Seasonalaffective disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder and atypical depressionaffecting anyone at any time (Very well mind, 2018). There are manycontributing factors that have the appearance _or_ semblance to increase the guess of developing or triggeringdepression. These include certain personality traits, traumatic or stressfulevents, a history of mental health disorders, history of depression in bloodrelatives, abuse of recreational drugs or alcohol, chronic illness andmedication(Kalat, 2001) However, this does not factor in the environmentalfactors such as poverty with the affects it has on an separates well-being.Genetic assessmentThere are strong biological linkswith those who sufferer with depression, in terms of genes family research-especially twin and adoption studies shows a genetic link were Individuals mayinherit pre-dispositions to depression or separate mood disorders( kalat, 2001). Wenderet al (1986) conducted family correlational research into depression throughadoption psychoanalyse which observed whether genetics or the environment appeared tobe more associated with depression in adopted adults would suffered depression.Psychiatric evaluations were conducted and the study produced results showingthat the biological parents of the adopted adults were 8 times more likelyto fork up the disorder than the adopted parents. Twin studi es are an additionalway of studying if genetic factors are the cause of the pre-dispositioneddisorder. monozygotic twins (MZ) share 100% of their genes whereas dizygotictwins (DZ) only share 50%, of the rateis the process for assessing the likelihood of one twin having the disorder inwhich the other also has to break the same. A significant note that need to beconsidered, is in previous research it wasnt possible to differentiate betweenthe MZ and DZ twins so statistics may also be in pass up. Diverse studies have produced fluctuating statisticsbut the overall trend pattern was usually the same think MZ twins indicatedincreased rates in depression in contrast to DZ twins. From these studies environmentalfactors cannot be ruled out, MZ twins share comparable environments than DZ twinsso influences such as friends and education are more likely to be similar onboth. Even in MZ twins being raised apart their environments may not be that diverse.Despite the thousands of studies carrie d out to locate the gene, studies havefailed to identify locus of any significant gene ad hoc to depression (http//www.psychology4a.com/depression.html,no date). It is however possible for people with no family history to alsodevelop depression.A British team of scientists has recentlylocated a gene that seems to be predominant in multiple family memberssuffering with depression, chromosome 3p25-26 was situated in more than 800families with recurring depression. This study looked at DNA from over 800families including 971 sibling pairs who had European origin and who wereaffected by recurring depression. It also included 118 pairs of siblings withone affected by depression and the other not.Other studies were conducted at the same time as the British researcherswhich matched the link between the same chromosome and depression. (Heath line,2016) However the results could not be applied to those suffering with lessserve depression. This evidence also lacks ecological validity as it cannot begeneralised to the whole population and only represents the European. Researchhas also shown that privates with parents suffering with depression are 3time more likely to have the disorder.Scientists now have confidence in that as manyas 40% of individuals suffering with depression can be linked back togenetics. (Health line, 2016)Biomedical AssessmentThe biological aspect of depression looks for indications that relate to diagnostic categories of mental disorders with an outlook that a sick body can be restored to health (McLeod, 2014). This chance links depression to imbalances or problems in the brain regarding the neurotransmitters, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Evidence of the imbalances is very difficult to monitor and measure in a person brain. The neurotransmitter serotonin involves the regulation of important physiological (body orientated) functions such as sleep, aggression, mood and sexual behaviours. Research suggests that the decrease in the produc tion of serotonin by the neurons can cause depression in some people but not all. Catecholamine hypothesis was a popular explanation in the mid-sixties to why people developed depression, suggesting that a deficiency of norepinephrine in certain areas of the brain was responsible for creating depressed moods. (Mental help net, 2007) Autopsy studies support this theory as it shows that individuals who experienced multiple depressive episodes had less norepinephrine neuron than individuals with no history of depression. Conversely, the research outcomes also revealed that not all people who experienced mood change was the reaction to the norepinephrine levels being lower. Modern studies also suggest that decreased levels of serotonin triggers a drop in norepinephrine levels leading to depression.(Harvard medical take,2009)With this explanation or approach anti psychotics have long been established as a fairly cheap, effective and speedy treatment at reduction symptoms for the indivi dual. However, it could be argued that the side effects and addiction caused by these types of medication is a flunk of this approach. Although this approach created psychological treatments for many mental disorders it has neglected the treatment process. Scientists have been testing the chemical imbalance theory validity for over 40 years (approximately) and regardless of thousands of studies been conducted theres still not one top supporting evidence proving the theory accurate (Psychology Today, 2017). Psychological assessmentThe psychological perspective ondepression explores unconscious thinking, possible past traumas and focuses onaiding the individual to realise their potential and emphasis on sociable supportand psychological interventions. Freud was the first to offer an explanation ondepression. This theory delivers evidence based explanations for how peoplethink, behave and feel the way they do (http//www.psychology4a.com/depression.html,no date).The psychodynamic appr oach regards the sourceof mental disorder being the cause of loss or rejection by a parent (McLeod2015). Although, this does not take in to account current experiences/problemsthat the individual may be going through. Supporting evidence of this was Bifulcoet al (1992) studies found that children who retrogress their mother are more likelyto suffer with depression (http//www.psychology4a.com/depression.html, nodate).The cognitive- behavioural model hasa strong emphasis on reinforcements (positive or negative) as an explanationfor depression. Becks (1976) hypothesised that individuals with negativethoughts towards themselves or those who have low self-esteem are far moresusceptible to suffer from depression, suggesting that the negative perceptionthat they held towards themselves was reinforced up through negative experiences.Beck anticipated that experiences in childhood could lead to a cognitive traidresulting in the individual suffering with depression. This traid is built upin t hree parts in which people hold negative thoughts the self, the world andthe future. In addition those who suffer with depression or are susceptible toit dramatise the bad experiences and minimise the good (Eysenck, 2012). Weissman and Beck (1978) as cited inDobson (2010) supported this theory by using self-schemas to discover out howpeople perceived themselves and the world around them. The results showed thatthose people with negative self-schemas were far more likely to suffer with depression.Although, White (1985) agrees that there was enough evidence to suggest thatBecks theory was correct although, he suggests it does not show the true connectionof depression and failed to identify that logical errors might be triggered bybiological factors such as chemical imbalance in the brain. Becks theory wasbased upon questionnaires, although there are limitations to this form ofinformation gathering. This questions the reliability of the research as theparticipants of the questionnaire can be effected by social desirability(McLeod, 2015)Ferster (1973) behavioural theorysuggests that its a lack of positive reinforcements is the cause ofdepression. For instance a loss of a loved one may cause depression due to theloss of a positive reinforcement. Lewinsohn (1976) suggested that when othersgive the depressed individual attention this reinforces the depressivebehaviour and symptoms. This can also have the reverse effect when theres alack of attention given by family or friends and thus lack of reinforcements,this can equally infuriate depressive symptoms. This raises the debate towhether depression causes negative thinking and perceptions or that thenegative perceptions were the cause of depression. Abreu and Santos (2008,p.131)Sociological explanationThe sociological explanation formental health such as depression regards social forces as the most important determinantsof mental disorders, taking a broader view of a psychiatric disorder than anyother model. Regardin g an individuals environment and behaviour as beingfundamentally linked. In some perspective its similar to the psychodynamicmodel which also sees individuals moulded by international events. However, whereasthe psychodynamic model views depression as highly personalised anddeterminants are not immediately recognisable. This model views depressionbased on general theories of groups and caused by unmistakable environmentalfactors such as poverty, lamentable neighbour hoods, low education, ethnicity,divorce and the loss of a loved one WHO (2014). Although short term sadness isa normal response to these triggers and should not be confused for depression.People who live in poverty struggle causing them to be in a unvaryingstressful state, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate of taking control overtheir own lives. Health Ross (2000) as cited in Cockerham, (2008) linked betterquality neighbourhoods with those of a poor disadvantaged neighbourhoods,the findings were higher levels ofdepre ssion occur in the latter with individuals suffering psychologically dueto their environment (although there were also links to their individualism).The daily stressors of living in these deprived areas with low income,unemployment etc. are linked to the symptoms of depression (Haralambos andHolborn, 2008).Individuals living in clean and safe environments displayed lower levels ofdepression further supporting that social factors contribute. Individualsliving in poverty become the strongest predictor of depression WHO (2004)Consideration must also be given tothe possibility that individuals living in communities with increased employment opportunities arestill being diagnosed with depression as a result of losing their jobs throughsuffering with depression quite than not having a job and becoming depressed. Thisraises to the question is depression the cause of the environmental factors oris the environmental factors the cause of depression.In conclusion, there doesnt seemsubstantial evidence in any one area to state that there is a single source ofdepression. Evidence points towards genetics playing 40% role in cause ofdepression, especially in cases of family studies. However, it is suggestedthat instead of being a direct cause of it makes a person more prone to getdepression than others. The behaviouraland cognitive theories have reputable aspects of validity to such that you canapply findings to real life situations and cases of depression. However it doeshave a weakness with both approaches being that either do not consider or recognisethe biological or genetic effects of depression. The research has establishedthat mental illness is complex and depression is no exclusion, therefore itcannot have a singular, unpretentious explanation and is a result of acombination of biological, psychological and social factors. Evaluation of theavailable research would suggest that although genetics may have an impact ondepression there is more sound evidence to suggest other factors heavilycontribute.Evaluation The introduction of this essayspecified clear figures regarding those suffering with depression within the UKand women being more susceptible as pose to men. However it could have givenmore insight to that particular causes of this issue such as evidence basedstudies to suggest why.The research throughout this essaywas gathered by a wide variety of reliable sources and used the most up-to-dateinformation as possible. As this essay was limited to secondary research thisrestricted access to research on a more personal level such a questionnaireswithin the community on families who suffer or have recurring depressivedisorder. Due to the word count set on this essay it restricted more divulgeinformation on other cause/ explanations for depression. For examplePersonality, Gender, Disabilities etc.The Researched statistics that waspresented in this essay was analysed and evaluated were possible. Links togenetic theories supported the findings of certain studies which in turnstrengthened the statistics enabling the essay question to be answered. However there could have been additionalanalysis of genetic studies not relating to the MZ twins and DZ twin siblings.From the supporting evidence andstatistics gathered within this essay the conclusion was able to answer theessay question giving a figure of 40% of depression is caused through genetics.It also acknowledges the serious mental health disorder and its complexproblems and cause. Yet it was unable to single out one defining cause ofdepression. A more enhanced insight and knowledge was obtained by carrying outthis project in the wider field of depression and its root causes.ReferencesAbreu, R.B. and Santos, E.C (2008) Behavioural Models of DepressionA critique of the emphasis on positivereinforcements.4 (2) pp130-145 International journal of behaviouralconsultation and therapy online Avaliableathttps//files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ800945.pdf (Accessed 25April 2018)American Psychiatric Association (2018) what is depression? ready(prenominal) at https//www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.(Accessed 20 work on 2018)Beck, A.T.(1976). Cognitive therapy of emotionaldisorders. refreshful York newborn American LibraryCockerham, W. (2008). The social causes ofhealth and disease. Oxford Polity.Diagnostic and statistical manual ofmental disorders.(2013) 5th Ed. Arlington, VA American Psychiatric Association.Dobson, K. (2010). Handbook ofcognitive-behavioral therapies. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y. 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