Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Genesis of Major Depressive Disorder

Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Genesis of Major Depressive Disorder Major Depressive Disorder is a form of psychological disorder that is featured by the presence of low and depressed mood for at least two weeks and across most situations. The lifetime prevalence of MDD in the United States is estimated to be around 17%. Different studies have indicated that almost 40% incidences of MDD are attributed to genetic factors. Although the neurobiological and environmental etiology of MDD was appropriately elucidated, the gene-environment interactions in the genesis of MDD remained unclear. The present article explored the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the genesis of Major Depressive Disorder. The major epigenetic changes that are associated with the genesis of MDD include modification of chromatin structures, modification of histone acetylation and modified expression of respective genes. However, the article reflected that epigenetic mechanisms could not solely explain the etiology of MDD. Rather, the genesis of MDD could be viewed as interplay of different regulatory factors. The different regulatory factors include neurological, endocrine, environmental and genetic alterations. Hence, epigenetic changes might modulate the severity or symptoms of MDD. Keywords: “Epigenetic Changes” “Major Depressive Disorder” “Suicidal tendency” “SSRIs” “DNA methylation” Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Genesis of Major Depressive Disorder Background Major Depressive Disorder is a form of the psychological disorder that is featured by a plethora of symptoms. However, the major symptom of MDD is the persistence of low mood/depressed mood for at least two weeks and across