Causes of Depression

 The Science of Depression (MDD) - Re-examine Depression (reexaminedepression.com)


What causes depression? - Harvard Health


"What Are the Main Causes of Depression?

Lots of things can increase the chance of depression, including the following:

  • Abuse. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can make you more vulnerable to depression later in life.
  • Age. People who are elderly are at higher risk of depression. That can be made worse by other factors, such as living alone and having a lack of social support.
  • Certain medications. Some drugs, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
  • Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to it may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
  • Death or a loss. Sadness or grief after the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, can increase the risk of depression.
  • Gender. Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed. No one's sure why. The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may play a role.
  • Genes. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis.
  • Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. However, the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a "normal" response to stressful life events.
  • Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression.
  • Serious illnesses. Sometimes, depression happens along with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.
  • Substance misuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance misuse problems also have major or clinical depression. Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you feel better, they ultimately will aggravate depression."

Depression isn’t a simple condition with a known cause. Some people are more susceptible to depressive episodes while others are not. It’s important to discuss symptoms with your doctor. There are several possible causes of depression.

Genetic

Depression may be an inherited condition. You may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a depressive disorder at some point in your life if you have a family member with depression. The exact genes involved are not known. It’s believed that many genes may play a factor in causing depression.

Biochemical

Some people have noticeable changes in their brains with depression. Even though this potential cause isn’t understood, it does suggest depression starts with brain function. Some psychiatrists look at brain chemistry with cases of depression.

Neurotransmitters in the brain — specifically serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine — affect feelings of happiness and pleasure and may be out of balance in people with depression. Antidepressants work to balance these neurotransmitters, mainly serotonin. How and why these neurotransmitters get out of balance and what role they play in depressive states isn’t fully understood.

Hormonal

Changes in hormone production or functioning could lead to the onset of depressive states. Any changes in hormone states — including menopause, childbirth, thyroid problems, or other disorders — could cause depression.

With postpartum depression, mothers develop symptoms of depression after giving birth. It’s normal to be emotional because of the changing hormones, but postpartum depression is a serious condition.

Seasonal

As daylight hours get shorter in the winter, many people develop feelings of lethargy, tiredness, and a loss of interest in everyday activities. This condition was called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Now it’s known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern. Your doctor may prescribe medication or a light box to help treat this condition. The condition also usually goes away once the days get longer.

Situational

Trauma, a big change, or struggle in life can trigger a case of depression. Losing a loved one, being fired, having financial troubles, or undergoing a serious change can have a big impact on people."

Causes of Depression: Genetics, Hormones, and Trauma (healthline.com)

Post a Comment

0 Comments