URL path: Index page // Depression, Genetic Testing

Depression, Genetic Testing

Includes 16 tests
Saliva
4 - 5 Weeks
210€

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest and pleasure, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. It can significantly affect daily life and functioning. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Individualized approaches are often necessary to effectively manage depression. The assessment of the Polygenic Index Score for depression is based on the examination of 96 gene polymorphisms.

Genetic testing for depression is included along with 15 other diseases in Genetic Screening for Diseases of the Nervous System, Polygenic Risk Score.

Causes and non-genetic risk factors

The exact causes of depression are unknown, although, as with other mental disorders, various factors such as physical changes in the brain, alterations in neurotransmitter levels, and/or changes in hormonal balance (e.g., pregnancy and postpartum) may occur.

In addition to the above, several risk factors may favor the triggering of depression. Among them:

  • Age: it is more frequent in adults, although it can appear at any time of life.
  • It is more common in women.
  • Having low self-esteem or being overly dependent can increase susceptibility to depression.
  • Traumatic or stressful situations, such as losing a loved one or financial problems.
  • Family history of other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide.
  • History of other disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse.
  • Other illnesses, such as cancer or chronic pain.
  • Certain medications.
Symptoms

Depression may occur once in a lifetime or recur repeatedly. During this period, symptoms may include:

  • Feelings of sadness or despondency, tearfulness or hopelessness.
  • Mood swings and irritability.
  • Loss of interest in most usual activities.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Tiredness and lack of energy.
  • Lack of appetite and weight loss.
  • Slowness to speak, to reason, or to move.
  • A feeling of guilt.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Negative thoughts that may include suicidal thoughts.
Prevention

Prevention programs have been shown to reduce the risk of depression. Among community strategies, school programs to promote a positive coping model among children, interventions for parents of children with behavioral problems, and exercise programs for the elderly stand out.

In addition, other strategies may be helpful:

  • Avoid stress.
  • Lean on family and friends to get you through times of crisis.
  • Seek treatment at the first signs of a problem (mainly psychological).
  • Undergo long-term supportive treatment to prevent the recurrence of symptoms in cases of recurrent depression.
Additional information
Tests includedIncludes 16 tests
Sample Saliva
Results Time4 - 5 Weeks
Procedure completion test
Step 1

Purchase the test you want online

Select the tests you wish, through the most complete range of Preventive and Functional Medicine tests and purchase them online.

Step 2

Sampling

We send you the certified package - sampling collection kit, to collect your sample, always in accordance with the instructions contained within the kit.

Step 3

Sending your sample

After you have collected your sample, place it in the prepaid shipping package, contact the courier company and send it to our certified laboratory.

Step 4

Receiving the test results

Download your test results easily and securely anytime you want by logging in to your personal account.

Step 1

Book an appointment and buy the test online

Select from the most complete range test of Prevention, Andrology and Diagnostics, book an appointment in real time and purchase them online.

Step 2

Sampling

Visit the certified laboratory of Diagnostiki Athinon on the date and time you have chosen, to perform the sampling.

Step 3

Receiving the test results

Download your test results easily and securely anytime you want by logging in to your personal account.

Share it