Table of Contents:

• An Introduction to the Depression Series
• Types of Depression
• Symptoms of Depression and Mania
• Causes of Depression
• Depression in Women, Seniors and Children
• Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment
• How to Help Yourself if You are Depressed
• Where to Get Help
• Further Information

The key understanding about depression causes — and, in fact, causes for any mental disorder — is that we still do not know what causes these mental disorders. It is generally believed that all mental disorders are caused by a complex interaction and combination of biological, psychological and social factors. This theory is called the bio-psycho-social model of causation and is the most generally accepted theory of the cause of disorders such as depression by professionals.

Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.

In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.

What's Related

• An Introduction to Treatment of Depression
• Alcohol and Depression
• What Are You So Depressed About?
• Facts about Depression
• Depression versus The Blues
• Types of Depression Unique to Women
• An Introduction to Depression
• Depression and Women
• Treatment of Depression With rTMS
• Further Information About Depression