Irma Said:

Any Risk Factors for Parent with Depression?

We Answered:

Steve...

I have suffered from severe and chronic clinical depression for as long as I can remember, although it was only diagnosed 14 years ago after I failed in a suicide attempt. Prior to that time, I assumed that being moody and withdrawn, along with a host of other symptoms, was "just the way I was." I am taking medication for the condition and it is and has been working very well.

After that suicide attempt, I learned a great deal about depression, its symptoms and its treatments. One of the things I learned is that there is a strong hereditary predisposition, according to longitudinal studies of the disease. My father suffers from it and almost all of my 10 brothers and sisters have it to some degree. Once I realized this, it helped to explain much about my family history and experience. That was an invaluable lesson.

Most of my siblings were diagnosed with it after they learned of my suicide attempt and, at my urging, sought treatment. My father refuses to this day to get treatment for his, although it is plainly apparent he suffers from it. I have two sons, 25 and 19. Neither exhibits symptoms thus far.

Of the various mental illnesses, clinical depression is the most common in the population. The good news is that it is also the most treatable. There is no reason for anyone to suffer from it.

There is no denying the possibility that you may hand the genetic factors responsible for it to your offspring, but I do not personally believe this is a reason for your wife to avoid becoming pregnant. This is not a fatal congenital defect. Your experience with this disease will be an invaluable resource in monitoring and seeking treatment for your child(ren) should symptoms become evident. There is no evidence in the literature that medications for the treatment of depression have any inheritable genetic effects.

In the end, of course, only you and your wife know whether you are willing to take this risk. I hope this has been helpful, and I wish you both well!