Question

Mr. Chen asks the nurse at discharge if his two children are at risk for developing major depression like their mother. Which is the best response by the nurse?

A. "There's no genetic component to depression."
B. "It's difficult to predict, but early intervention and support are crucial."
C. "Children are not affected by their parents' mental health."
D. "Your children are at low risk for developing depression."

Answer 1

The best response is to highlight the complexity of predicting depression but emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Research suggests children can be at an increased risk if a parent has a history of depression, underscoring genetics' role alongside environmental influences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question Mr. Chen asks the nurse about his children's risk for developing major depression, like their mother, is best answered with: "It's difficult to predict, but early intervention and support are crucial." This acknowledges the multifactorial nature of depression, which includes genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and individual circumstances. Studies suggest that children may have an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders if their parents have a history of such conditions.

For instance, the research by Biederman et al. (2001) indicates there are patterns of psychopathology and dysfunction in children at high risk due to their parents' history of panic disorder and major depression. Moreover, general findings in the field of mental health support the influence of genetics in the risk for developing psychological disorders, emphasizing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.