Genetic Explanations of Depression

Question 1

What is the genetic explanation of depression?

Answer 1

Unipolar depression may be influenced by genes

Question 2

What was Peter McGuffin et al.’s study (1996)? What were the results and conclusions? (3)

Answer 2

1. Twins study of MZ and DZ twins
2. Conclusions
   - One DZ twin depressed, 20% chance the other would too
   - One MZ twin depressed, 46% chance the other would too – Shows a greater risk of depression, so it may be genetic.

Question 3

What is the stress-diathesis model? (2)

Answer 3

1. Some ppl may have a genetic predisposition to depression
2. Environmental triggers from a stressful situation may cause a depression-causing gene to become active, triggering its effect on one’s mood

Question 4

Give 2 strengths of the genetic explanation of depression.

Answer 4

1. Takes away stigmas

• No criticism if it’s
  genetic.
• Society may become more accepting

2. Has supporting research evidence
   
   • Caspi et al. (2003)

Question 5

Give 2 weaknesses of the genetic explanation of depression.

Answer 5

1. Deterministic and does not consider free will
   • Some believe we have ‘free will’ to not ‘let ourselves’ become
     depressed
2. Reductionist
   • Doesn’t account for other factors
   • Too simplistic to assume only abnormal genes can cause depression