Genetic Influence in Dysthymic Disorder Or Dysthymia

As depression runs in families so is Dysthymia being a chronic depressive disorder. Studies on twins have shown influence of genes in depressive disorders like dysthymia. If raised in the same environment the chances of Dysthymia in identical twins are three times more likely than fraternal twins. Studies show that with parents having some depressive disorder their children are more prone to these problems than of healthy parents. Genes affect the activity of brain and hence play a role in cause of dysthymic disorders. The chemicals which provide the communication link between the brain cells are known as neurotransmitters and people with dysthymic disorders have some imbalances in the formation and activity of these neurotransmitters. However some advanced and later studies have not accepted this simple explanation of genetic role in dysthymia but have claimed a more complex relationship between genes, neurotransmitters and depression.