First-degree relatives are 9 times more likely to develop a serious form of depression, study says

Close relatives of individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are significantly more likely to experience depression that does not respond to traditional treatment, according to a new study. TRD refers to depression that does not improve with standard therapies like therapy or medication. The study, which used data from an entire country, identified a genetic transmission of TRD within families. Relatives of individuals with TRD were also at a higher risk of developing other psychiatric disorders and dying by suicide. The findings suggest that alternative treatment options should be considered for patients with a family history of TRD.