Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the 46% chance of one identical twin becoming depressed if the other is diagnosed suggest about depression?
What does the 46% chance of one identical twin becoming depressed if the other is diagnosed suggest about depression?
- Depression does not have a hereditary component.
- Depression must have a genetic cause for some individuals. (correct)
- Depression is entirely environmental.
- Depression is only influenced by lifestyle choices.
Which of the following is a key finding from McGuffin's 1996 study on twins and depression?
Which of the following is a key finding from McGuffin's 1996 study on twins and depression?
- Dizygotic twins have a higher chance of both being depressed.
- Identical twins share 100% of their genes. (correct)
- Environmental factors play no role in depression.
- The genetic risk for depression is the same across all families.
How do genetic predispositions affect the likelihood of developing depression?
How do genetic predispositions affect the likelihood of developing depression?
- Genetic predispositions require an environmental trigger to manifest as depression. (correct)
- Genetic predispositions are irrelevant once someone faces psychological stress.
- Genetic predispositions do not vary across individuals.
- Genetic predispositions guarantee depression will occur.
What challenge does the link of 17 different gene variations to depression present?
What challenge does the link of 17 different gene variations to depression present?
What is indicated by the fact that not all family members of a depressed individual develop depression themselves?
What is indicated by the fact that not all family members of a depressed individual develop depression themselves?
What does research by Caspi in 2003 suggest about genetics and depression?
What does research by Caspi in 2003 suggest about genetics and depression?
What did Carmelli et al. find regarding the relationship between smoking and genetics?
What did Carmelli et al. find regarding the relationship between smoking and genetics?
What aspect of addiction is highlighted by the studies mentioned in the content?
What aspect of addiction is highlighted by the studies mentioned in the content?
What did Goodwin et al. discover about adopted children and addiction?
What did Goodwin et al. discover about adopted children and addiction?
What criticism is leveled against the genetic explanation of depression in delivering a full understanding of the condition?
What criticism is leveled against the genetic explanation of depression in delivering a full understanding of the condition?
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Study Notes
Genetic Predisposition to Mental Health Issues
- Not all individuals with a genetic relationship to someone with a mental health disorder will experience the same issues.
- Genetic factors have been associated with various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, and depression.
- Unipolar depression may be hereditary, but specific genes involved are still unclear.
- Hyde et al. (2016) identified 17 gene variations linked to increased risk of developing depression.
Twin Studies and Depression
- Identical twins (monozygotic) share 100% of their genes, while non-identical twins (dizygotic) share about 50%.
- Research by McGuffin (1996) showed a 46% chance of both identical twins being depressed if one is diagnosed, in contrast to a 20% chance for non-identical twins.
- Findings suggest genetic factors play a significant role in depression risk, although environmental factors may also be necessary to trigger its onset.
Complex Interplay of Genetics and Environment
- A genetic predisposition to depression can exist without manifesting unless triggered by environmental stressors (e.g., job loss, bullying).
- This indicates that while genetics set a potential risk, personal experiences significantly influence whether depression develops.
Supporting Research and Implications
- Caspi (2003) discovered that variations in the serotonin transporter gene make individuals more reactive to stress, frequently leading to depression.
- The genetic explanation of depression supports understanding mental health as an illness that can be influenced by inherited traits.
Genetic Explanation of Addiction
- Addiction can also be influenced by genetic factors, with studies showing familial links.
- Identical twins display a higher likelihood of smoking if one of them smokes (Carmelli et al., 1992).
- Goodwin et al. (1973) noted that adopted children with biological parents having alcohol addiction are more prone to develop similar issues.
Genetic and Environmental Interactions in Addiction
- Cadoret's study identified that adopted children with a biological link to those with alcohol problems are more likely to have their own addiction issues.
- It suggests that genetics contribute to addiction while also highlighting the influence of the environment.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Genetic Explanations
- Strengths
- Reduced stigma surrounding mental health as genetic factors imply individuals cannot be blamed for conditions like depression.
- Recognition of genetic predisposition encourages people to seek help.
- Weaknesses
- Genetic explanations can be seen as deterministic, suggesting lack of agency in managing mental health.
- Reductionist approach fails to account for other significant factors (e.g., life events and environment) that affect the development of depression and addiction.
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