'In the future it will be a fact that the cause of depression is biological.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. For (agreement): Research in genetics/DNA makes advances every day; only a matter of time before a gene for depression is discovered.
2. For (agreement): Research currently supports genetic links: Oruc et al. (1998) 50% of first-degree relatives of people with depression are significantly more likely to be depressed.
3. For (agreement): Research may identify specific chemicals/hormones triggering depression.
4. Against (disagreement): There is still insufficient evidence and that evidence is weak: Oruc has only 50% and if it were 'truly genetic' it would be 100%.
5. Against (disagreement): There may be an underlying genetic link, but this only becomes active with interactions with the environment.
6. Against (disagreement): Many studies show twins where one develops a disorder and the other does not because of environmental influences such as peers.
7. Against (disagreement): The response of the body may be biological, and this may be due to a chemical imbalance, but the cause of depression can also be an external event and that will never change.