To date, the medical field has yet to pinpoint a single reason for depression. There is also no explanation why one set of circumstances affects two individuals in different ways. An event may trigger depression in one person while it may not have any emotional effect on another.
We do know that depression often runs in families. If someone in your family has it, it is more likely that you or someone in your family will experience it at some point. However, this doesn’t fully explain the complexity of depression or accurately predict who is at risk.
Many experts favor the idea that this complicated disorder has several causes and not just a single origin. Currently, medical researchers are reviewing the possibility that an individual could possess a genetic predisposition to depression. When the precise mix of environmental and genetic factors are present, this mix of circumstances prompts depression.
During a depressive state the brain possesses an imbalance in three neurotransmitters – chemical substances that carry nerve impulses across the brain cells synapses. These neurotransmitters are called serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamin and are strongly linked to depression. Scientists do not fully comprehend the exact nature of these neurotransmitters. It’s really play on that old question, Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Are the alterations in the neurotransmitters the cause or the result of the depression?
While there are still many mysteries about depression, there are some factors that medical science knows definitely contribute to this disorder. Heredity is a strong factor. Preliminary research seems to say that several specific genes are identified with depression; however, this still doesn’t explain why some family members seem immune to depression. Yet another oddity is that it does not adequately answer the question of why certain individuals with no family history of depression are prone to it.
Stress also plays an important role. A traumatic event, such as a job loss, divorce, illness, or death in the family can be a catalyst to depression. Again, even though science knows this to be a trigger, individual reactions to stress are varied. Some people may experience an acute, short-term depression. For others, this may be the start of a chronic condition that may need treatment for years.
Conversely, others can remain seemingly oblivious to the stress and come through the event unaffected. Moreover, a stressful event needs not be traumatic. Sometimes the stress associated with normally joyful events may produce an unexpected depression as in a wedding or birth.
Hormones are another key factor. Everyone has heard the term “raging hormones” that women are said to have. Well, there is some truth in this. Women do experience depression at about twice the rate of men. This has led researchers to consider that hormonal influences may factor into the development of depression.
Certain personality types appear to be more vulnerable to developing depression. Those who have low self esteem appear to be at risk as well as those who are extremely self critical or overwhelmed by the stressful episodes in their lives. Another personality type more susceptible to depression is the pessimist. Also, those individuals who are extremely dependent on others are more prone to being depressed.
People with illicit drug abuse–to include alcohol abuse and those dependent on nicotine–are more likely to become depressed. Initially, medical science believed these activities to be a coping mechanism for an already present depression. Now, they think that the actual use of these substances contribute to the depression.
Prescription medication may be the most overlooked of the causes. Use of certain prescription drugs can cause depression. This is especially the case with the long-term use of hypertension drugs, sleeping pills, and even birth control pills in some cases.
Lately, illness can lead to depression. Chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer can increase the chances of a person developing depression. Seemingly insignificant health challenges that make someone bedridden or temporarily immobile can trigger a depression.
