Genetic Explanation of Depression

Question 1

What is genetic explanation of depression

Answer 1

• If one monozygotic twin becomes depressed, there is 46% chance that other twin will become depressed (Monozygotic twins share 100% genes)
• If one dizygotic twin becomes depressed, only 20% chance that other twin will become depressed (dizygotic twins share 50% genes)

Question 2

Describe Diathesis Stress Model

Answer 2

Needs to be a trigger from the environment to activate the gene that causes depression

Question 3

Strengths of theory

Answer 3

• Research evidence that shows that genes play an important role in causing depression
• We can explain depression by looking at genes that people might inherit

Question 4

Weaknesses of theory

Answer 4

• Theory is deterministic
• Assumes that if we have certain genes, we are more likely to become depressed
• We have free will and that we can choose if we let ourself become depressed
• Reductionist as it doesn’t take into account other factors that explain why someone can get depression