This is the age-old question of nature vs. nurture. Are mood disorders (depression/anxiety) a result of nature (genetics/brain chemistry) or nurture (upbringing/environment)?

It may be beneficial to think in terms of risk factors: the more risk factors that are present, the more likely depression or anxiety is to develop. Having family members with a mood disorder may elevate the risk, but it doesn’t doom someone to the disorder.

At Christian Family Institute we view anxiety and depression as a combination of biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors. All of these components are considered when treating mood disorders.