Good question...

Ummmmmm... well, I know in my psych classes that an MRI can determine depression because looking at the brain we see where certain neurotransmitters are "lacking" when compared to a 'regular' brain. It also can look at blood flow, and whether certain parts of the brain "light up" when given certain cues ... like if you're looking at pictures, or hearing something or asked to do something - like a math problem.

The genetic predisposition would be determined if when you look at the immediate family of the person there is evidence of (clinical) depression.

It can also be determined to an extent through just a conversation... if a person is frequently relating their depressive episodes to their disability... then it's more likely that the disability is influencing the persons level of depression.

Like me for example... my depression has never "increased" or decreased without a specific reason. It's only ever increased (ie. I got more depressed) after big life events. Like people dying, increased stress, life changes, family issues, or traumatic events ... I always got more depressed for a period of time after those times, but then I'd "level out" and be less depressed for a period of time.

Not to say that living with a disability on a daily basis ISNT depressing, but overall I can usually handle the depression associated with it to a certain extent... unless I'm dealing with other life issues.

My family history doesn't have evidence of mental health issues either.

There have been studies done that say that people with disabilities/chronic conditions are more depressed than other people in the general population... but the exact statistics vary on the study. But it's always shown a positive correlation... more people are depressed and are dealing with a disability/chronic condition *compared* to those people who have a disability and no depression *or* are either 'just' depressed *or* aren't depressed or dealing with a disability/chronic condition.



Ack! Sorry, I sound like a textbook. I guess I actually paid attention in my psych classes sometimes. I'm just a rookie undergrad student though so take what I say with a grain of salt mostly.