When you fill a bit blue, it might be hard to tell if you are just being down or if you are already experiencing serious depression. A group of experts suggests that the key to knowing if someone is at risk of depression or substance abuse is by asking about his or her family history.
You are highly likely to have a bout with depression if more of your family members went through substance dependence, anxiety disorders, or experienced major depression.
The evaluation for health experts is not really that complicated. The study just recommends that doctors ask questions to determine the family history with regard to psychiatric problems. The stronger the family history findings are, the higher chances an individual may go through depression. This gives doctors a chance to monitor people and treat them as promptly as needed when they meet the criteria for depression.
The study involved 981 people in New Zealand born from 1972 to 1973. The mental health and physical well being of these individuals were monitored since they were 3 years old.
The researchers used a family history questionnaire which is just similar to the ones being used by doctors to find out if you have cardiac, cancer, or any history of major health problems.
The results involved looking through the psychiatric background of the siblings over 18, parents, and grandparents of the participants. It was established that the more occurrences of depression, anxiety disorder, and substance abuse in the family the higher the chances the individual will have the same condition during his lifetime. Recurring bouts were also related to the family history.
The proponents of the study suggest that physicians also screen for psychiatric problems in the family when they inquire about the history of the patient. Early monitoring and prompt treatment can significantly affect the life of the patient.
Tags: Depression, Mental Health, Psychological Health, Research