Genetic explanation of depression

Question 1

What is the genetic explanation?

Answer 1

Emphasises that unipolar depression may be influenced by genes/ inherited

Question 2

Twin studies

Answer 2

Identical (Monozygotic) twins share 100% of the same genes whilst non-identical (Dizygotic) twins share only 50% of the same genes. A study by Peter McGuffin found that if one monozygotic twin became depressed, there was a 46% chance their co-twin would also develop depression. However, if one dizygotic twin became depressed, there was only a 20% chance that the other twin would also develop depression. This shows that depression might be genetic because monozygotic twins, who share more genes than the dizygotic twin pairs, were at greater risk of becoming depressed if one of them was diagnosed.

Question 3

Strengths of the explanation

Answer 3

It takes away the stigma for people diagnosed with depression as if it is in your genes people cant blame you for being depressed
There is research evidence that supports the explanation. For example, a study by Caspi found that people with a variation of the serotonin transporter gen were more likely to react negatively to stressful life events and develop depression,

Question 4

Weaknesses of the explanation

Answer 4

It is very deterministic and does not take freewill into account because it assumes if you have certain genes, you are likely to become depressed and there’s no way to change that.
The explanation is reductionist because it fails to take into account other factors that can explain why someone may develop deprssion.