Causes
The factors that cause a clinical depression can be divided in two groups: physiological factors and sociopsychological factors.
In the first group of causes we find:
- The genetic factor. It is believed that depression can run in families. For example some individuals can inherit the condition from their relatives.
- The neurological factor. It is suggested in recent research that there may be a connection between neurogenesis of the hippocampus that is said to be the center for mood and memory and depression. The antidepressant drugs are increasing the serotonin levels to simulate neurogenesis. This will lead to the increase the mass of the hippocampus so that the patient’s memory and mood will be restored.
- Another fact discovered by the researchers is that people suffering from depression have a higher level of monoamine oxidase A than normal people. This causes the level of monoamines (serotonin, norephinephrine, dopamine) to drop therefore causing the depression.
- Medical factors. Diseases such as hepatitis, diabetes, mononucleosis, cancer, hormonal disorders, heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, brain damage (Alzheimer, Parkinson) or other traumatic injuries can cause depression. Also, used for long periods, medications such as sleeping pills, contraception pills, prednisone or the abuse of alcohol and drugs can lead to depression.
- Diet - Vitamin deficiencies (for example folic acid or B-12).
- Sleep - Not getting enough sleep or a poor quality sleep is another risk factor for depression. The individuals have an abnormal high level of cortisol.
- Postnatal depression - Mostly it affects women that have just given birth. It appears within three months of the childbirth and left untreated can develop into clinical depression.
In the second group the factors that may cause depression are:
- Psychological factors - Although it is not known for sure, it is believed that one’s bad opinion about himself or herself and a low self-esteem is associated with depression.
- Personal experiences such as the death of a close relative or friend, divorce, the end of a relationship, problems in school or at work, chronic illness, physical, psychological or sexual abuse, financial difficulties, addiction to gambling, neglect.
A woman is far more likely to suffer from depression than a man. Also at a higher risk of depression are the elder ones that are living alone and suffer from social isolation, those who suffer poverty and children that are having problems at school, are obese or suffered a recent loss.
Another thing related to depression is the physical change of the body. Some people will go into depression if they become obese or have been mutilated (for example due to an accident). It is also worth mentioning that people that are pessimistic about life and the way they think about themselves are more likely to be affected by depression at a certain point in their life. Those who have suffered from clinical depression once are probable to have another episode.
Men are at a lower risk from suffering from depression but the ones who are affected are denying their condition and will not seek for medical help. They are however more likely to commit suicide than women.