Epigenetics refers to stable changes in gene expression that are mediated by altered structure of chromosomes without modification of DNA sequence (cite.) According to this hypothesis, severe stress triggers changes in the chromatin structure of vulnerable individuals, which drive sustained changes in gene expression that contribute to episodes of depression (cite). An outcome of this hypothesis is that such stress-induced epigenetic modifications also occur early in life and help determine an individual’s lifetime vulnerability or resistance to ensuing stressful events
Epigenetics refers to stable changes in gene expression that are mediated by altered structure of chromosomes without modification of DNA sequence (cite.) According to this hypothesis, severe stress triggers changes in the chromatin structure of vulnerable individuals, which drive sustained changes in gene expression that contribute to episodes of depression (cite). An outcome of this hypothesis is that such stress-induced epigenetic modifications also occur early in life and help determine an individual’s lifetime vulnerability or resistance to ensuing stressful events