Can depression be genetic?

Well, I had posted the other day saying I knew I didnt suffer from actual medical depression...if the answer to my question is 'Yes'...I might actually do so.

A while ago my mother was diagnosed with stronger then mild depression. Ive been depressed a lot but never thought much of it...and today I found out that well, my sister is basically going through a depression as well.

...So Im wondering if it is possible for it to be genetically passed down? If so then I *might* just have medical depression :-/

Some types of depression, but not all, so mabe.

-*-Cherri-*-

yeah, it definitely is genetic. you might want to seek professional help before it hits you too hard, because, God forbid, it might happen to you too

yeah i think if some one in your blood line has it your more likely to get it.

I'll be an educated lemming and say yes.
-A

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!

haha

Yeah, depression can be genetic. Find out for sure if you really do have medical depression before it gets too out of hand. You can control it. I got diagnosed with medical depression too late =/ oh well... anyways, good luck. I hope things go well for you.

Best wishes
~ Tina

yes. my mother got anxiety/panic attacks and so did a few of her sisters and now i have it. and its caused by depression. ya, i think i can be genetic

I think that could be why I have symptoms then .. if it is genetic, my Aunty and Grandmother have it, both on my mums side so that may be why I have symtoms :S Can you get a doctor/councillor without parents knowing?

yeah, I think it is. I heard that from some therapist once. My dad is also bipolar and suffers from alcoholism. His side of the family has a lot of issues actually. ranging from schizophrenia to borderline personality. a lot of us think my mom and her dad were ocd, and that's where I probably got it. so, yeah, if you're screwed up, it's your parents fault. in more ways than one.

It is possible for a chemical inbalance to be passed down to you from your parents making you prone to being depressed more, don't it doesn't away happen.

-Tainted Mikochan