If I Am Depressed, How Likely Is It That My Children Will Develop Depression As Well?

Question: If I am depressed, how likely is it that my children will develop depression as well?

Answer: If you're an adult with depression, the probability that your children will develop depression is about three times as high as if you weren't depressed and had no depression.

Related

ABC News OnCall+ Depression Center Home Page

More ABC News Stories/Videos On Depression

OnCall+ Wellness Center

So we say it is about a two- to three-fold increased risk. If you have a depression that began before the age of 20, that risk in your children goes up to four- or five-fold.

Next: Have Any Genes For Depression Been Discovered?

Previous: Does A Family History Of Depression Increase The Risk For My Developing Depression?