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HEALTH: What causes depression?

August 16, 2008 – 3:51 pm

Depression is a serious mental disorder that affects everyone from children to older adults. Recent researches show that women are more likely than men to develop the illness. What causes depression? Unfortunately, scientists do not know the exact cause of the illness however they think that so many factors can play a role in the development of depression. It is important to know what causes depression. Knowing about the causes for depression can help you to understand and prevent yourself from the development of the disease.  Studies have shown that causes of depression vary from person to person.

Here is the list of the risk factors for depression:

Genetic Factors: Genetics play an important role in depression. Researchers think that depression can be inherited. Some studies of families with several generations found that depression is passed from one generation to the next. If you have close relatives who experience depression, you may develop depression. Multiple genes contribute to the development of depression. Scientists still have been studying the gene that causes depression.

Biological Factors: Scientists think that depression has a biologic basis. Imbalances of neurotransmitters play a role in some depressions. Neurotransmitters allow brain cells to communicate with each other. The imbalances in chemicals can cause emotional, physical or behavioural symptoms. These changes result in depression.

Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions such as heart disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), hormonal disorders, diabetes, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS can cause depression, because they are long term illnesses. After these medical conditions, you can feel physical weakness and stress and they bring on depression.

Medications: Some medications such as birth control pills, blood pressure medicines and sleeping pills can affect your mood. When these drugs are taken over long periods of time, the drugs can lead to feeling sad or hopeless. These imbalances contribute the development of depression.

Social Environment and Family: Some life situations such as the death of a loved one, sexual or childhood abuse, family problems (unhappy family atmosphere, violence in the family), the loss of personal goals or dreams, homelessness, financial problems, long term unemployment, stressful working environment, divorce, remarry can cause depression.

Psychological Factors: Scientists think that there is a link between psychological factors and depression. Psychological causes may include anxiety, low confidence, hopelessness, vulnerability, pessimism, anger, loneliness, negative or pessimistic view of life, obsessive thoughts. These negative thoughts can directly or indirectly contribute to the development of depression.

Physical Factors: There is a correlation between physical factors and depression. Physical factors such as nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise and sunshine can cause the illness.

Other causes of depression:
Having recently given birth, drinking excess alcohol, nicotine or drug abuse, obesity, chronic pain, high stress, feeling disconnected God/Spirit, sleep disorders.