Since the dawn of modern psychology, the nature versus nurture issue (the controversy over the relative contributions of biology and experience), has been deliberated and debated a great deal by psychologists (biological and behavioral), geneticists, and philosophers alike. Given the complexities of the human organism and the abstractness of the mind, it's almost foolish but also necessary to engage in such an exchange. I believe that human differences are the result of genetic and environmental differences. This paper will hopefully put the rest the notion that the cause of depression is singular. I challenge those in the field of psychotherapy that believe that the nature of depression as a disease and affliction is rooted in only biology, chemistry, or behavioral or environmental conditioning. By using the results of research and personal testaments by leaders in the field, I will affirm that the state our consciousness and psyche's are shaped and molded by our experiences as well as our genes and biochemistry. .
It is indisputable that our genes form us. Genes contain the markers and genetic ingredients that are needed to predispose us to certain conditions whether they are physical or psychological. Professor Helen Mayberg (2010) suggests defining the biology of the symptoms of depression as well as addressing psychotherapeutic (talk therapy) needs that may help patients to better handle stress. She noted that the serotonin transporter (SERT) polymorphism comes in an SS and an LL form. The SS form of SERT along with a history of traumatic life events can actually put you at a greater risk for depression. The studies she referenced by Caspi and Kellner also found that the LL form of the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene seems to protect individuals who had traumatic life events similar to the carriers of the SS form of the gene. The genetic differences would require different approaches to treatment once a biological profile has been established for each patient.
