A new study has shed light on the hereditary nature of treatment-resistant depression, showing that close relatives of individuals with this condition are nine times more likely to also develop depression that does not respond to standard treatments such as therapy and antidepressants.
The study, which analyzed national health insurance data from Taiwan over a 15-year period, found a strong genetic transmission of treatment-resistant depression within families. Additionally, family members of individuals with this condition were at a higher risk of developing other psychiatric disorders and dying by suicide.
Experts believe that a combination of genetic factors, shared life events, socioeconomic disadvantages, and unidentified risk factors may contribute to the transmission of treatment-resistant depression within families. This highlights the need for early intervention and alternative treatments for depression, such as adding lithium, atypical antipsychotics, low-dose ketamine, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of increasing diversity in mental health research, as underrepresentation of Asian populations in studies like these can limit our understanding of conditions like treatment-resistant depression.
The findings of this study serve as a call to action for healthcare providers to consider the familial history of treatment-resistant depression when diagnosing and treating patients. By exploring alternative treatments and addressing the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to this condition, we can work towards better outcomes for individuals and families affected by treatment-resistant depression.
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