Biology coursework
Is gene therapy the most effective way to treat depression?
What really is depression?
The term ‘depression’ can be defined in two different ways:
1. Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.
2. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life.1
Majority of people believe that depression is somewhat trivial and is not regarded as a genuine health condition, but this is mainly because not a lot of research has been done on the topic and so a wider range of information and data is needed to inform individuals on the seriousness of depression. Major depression is the No.1 psychological disorder in the western world2 but can still happen to people of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities. Unfortunately, depression affects about one in ten of us at some point and recent studies have shown that about 4% of children aged 5-16 in the UK are affected by depression.3 It is a known fact that people living in Britain today now 10 times more likely to suffer from major depression than in the 1940’s. 4
Scientific studies have also found that numerous brain areas show altered activity in depressed patients and that is why it has not been possible to determine a single cause of depression.5 Majority of people forget that depression is a real illness with real symptoms and is not something that can be sorted out with ‘a few days’ rest’ but with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery from depression.
What scientists have found.
A study has shown that the chances of becoming depressed are partly determined by which version of a specific gene a person has6. Researchers found that someone with the least protective version of the gene 5-HTT is over twice more likely to suffer from depression than a person with the most protective form. “The gene helps influence whether people are resistant to the
What really is depression?
The term ‘depression’ can be defined in two different ways:
1. Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.
2. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life.1
Majority of people believe that depression is somewhat trivial and is not regarded as a genuine health condition, but this is mainly because not a lot of research has been done on the topic and so a wider range of information and data is needed to inform individuals on the seriousness of depression. Major depression is the No.1 psychological disorder in the western world2 but can still happen to people of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities. Unfortunately, depression affects about one in ten of us at some point and recent studies have shown that about 4% of children aged 5-16 in the UK are affected by depression.3 It is a known fact that people living in Britain today now 10 times more likely to suffer from major depression than in the 1940’s. 4
Scientific studies have also found that numerous brain areas show altered activity in depressed patients and that is why it has not been possible to determine a single cause of depression.5 Majority of people forget that depression is a real illness with real symptoms and is not something that can be sorted out with ‘a few days’ rest’ but with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery from depression.
What scientists have found.
A study has shown that the chances of becoming depressed are partly determined by which version of a specific gene a person has6. Researchers found that someone with the least protective version of the gene 5-HTT is over twice more likely to suffer from depression than a person with the most protective form. “The gene helps influence whether people are resistant to the