There are many causes of depression and people may now add genes among these causes. In a new research finding published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, a gene that transports serotonin that is more likely when a person is abused or has medical illness may be behind it. Serotonin is a brain chemical that influences moods and appetite of a person.

Over 41,000 participants from 2001 to 2010 were studied. However, scientists do not agree that there is a link between the gene and depression. This is backed up by 14 studies in 2009 that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association where no association as found.

But if you have been diagnosed with depression, a 2009 report from U.S. News suggests a lifestyle change. Today, there have been more and more mental health practitioners who believe that brain chemistry is not enough. Depression is considered as a chronic disease like diabetes thus lifestyle changes are necessary. One of four people age 20 is more at risk of depression, fatigue, joylessness and suicidal thoughts, as compared to one of ten among our grandparents’ generation.

Exercise can greatly affect our mood, said Madhukar Trivedi of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He added that it is necessary to burn 350 calories three times in a week by doing some sweat-inducing activities to reduce symptoms of depression.

Primitive societies do not express depression said Stephen Ilardi, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Kansas. He offers a 14-week Therapeutic Lifestyle Change program for people suffering from depression.