A GP guide to familial risk for depression and bipolar disorder
GPs are better-positioned than mental health workers to educate people on genetic risks for these illnesses, and to be vigilant for early warning signs
![mother son family depression](https://www.ausdoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tu_mother-son-family-depression-istock-1002933092-1.jpg)
In Australia, the lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder is estimated at 11.6%1 and that of bipolar disorder at 1.3%.2
Major depressive disorder, sometimes called clinical depression or unipolar depression and involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities lasting at least two weeks.3