Study Finds First-Degree Relatives 9 Times More Likely to Develop Serious Depression
Close relatives of individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are nine times more likely to develop a similar form of depression that does not respond to traditional treatments, according to a new study. The study, which used national health insurance data from Taiwan, found a genetic transmission of TRD across families and an association with other major psychiatric disorders. Family members of people with TRD were also more likely to develop other psychiatric conditions and have a higher risk of suicide. The findings suggest that alternative treatments, such as adding lithium, atypical antipsychotics, low-dose ketamine, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, should be considered earlier for individuals with a family history of TRD.
