Have you ever wondered what causes clinical depression? Perhaps you have been diagnosed with major depression, and that's made you question why some people get depressed but others don't. Depression is a complex disease. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it can happen for a variety of reasons. Some people have depression during a serious medical illness. Others may have depression with life changes such as a move or the
death of a loved one. Still others have a family history of depression. Those who do may have depression and feel overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness for no known reason. Lots of things can increase the chance of
depression, including the following: Researchers have noted differences in the brains of people who have clinical depression compared with those who do not. For instance, the hippocampus, a small part of the
brain that is vital to the storage of memories, appears to be smaller in some people with a history of depression than in those who've never been depressed. A smaller hippocampus has fewer serotonin receptors. Serotonin is one of many brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that allow communication across circuits that
connect the brain regions involved in processing emotions. Scientists do not know why the hippocampus may be smaller in some people with depression. Some researchers have found that the stress hormone cortisol is produced in excess in depressed people. These investigators believe that cortisol has a toxic or "shrinking" effect on the development of the hippocampus. Some experts
think depressed people may be simply born with a smaller hippocampus and are thus inclined to have depression. There are many other brain regions, and pathways between specific regions, thought to be involved with depression, and likely, no single brain structure or pathway fully accounts for clinical depression. One
thing is certain: Depression is a complex illness with many contributing factors. The latest scans and studies of brain structure and function suggest that antidepressants can exert "neurotrophic effects," meaning that they can help sustain nerve cells, prevent them from dying, and allow them to form stronger
connections that withstand biological stresses. As scientists gain a better understanding of the causes of depression, health professionals will be able to make better "tailored" diagnoses and, in turn, prescribe more effective treatment plans. We know that depression can sometimes run in
families. This suggests that there's at least a partial genetic link to depression. Children, siblings, and parents of people with severe depression are somewhat more likely to have depression than are members of the general population. Multiple genes interacting with one another in special ways probably contribute to the various types of depression that run in families. Yet despite the evidence of a family
link to depression, it is unlikely that there is a single "depression" gene, but rather, many genes that each contribute small effects toward depression when they interact with the environment. In certain people, drugs may lead to depression. For example, medications such as
barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and the acne drug isotretinoin (formerly sold as
Accutane, now Absorica, Amnesteem,
Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) have sometimes been linked with depression, especially in older people. Likewise, medications such as corticosteroids, opioids (codeine, morphine),
and anticholinergics taken to relieve stomach cramping can sometimes cause changes and fluctuations in mood. Even blood pressure medications called beta-blockers have been linked to depression. In some people, a chronic illness causes depression. A chronic illness is an illness that lasts
for a very long time and usually cannot be cured completely. However, chronic illnesses can often be controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, and certain medications. Some examples of chronic illnesses that may cause depression are diabetes, heart disease,
arthritis, kidney disease, HIV and AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Hypothyroidism may also lead to depressed feelings. Researchers believe that treating the depression may sometimes also help the co-existing medical illness improve. Is Depression Linked to Chronic Pain?When pain lingers for weeks to months, it's called "chronic." Not only does chronic pain hurt, it disturbs your sleep, your ability to exercise and be active, your relationships, and your productivity at work. Can you see how chronic pain may also leave you feeling sad, isolated, and depressed? There is help for chronic pain and depression. A multifaceted program of medicine, psychotherapy, support groups, and more can help you manage your pain, ease your depression, and get your life back on track. Does Depression Often Occur With Grief?Grief is a common, normal response to loss. Losses that may lead to grief include the death or separation of a loved one, loss of a job, death or loss of a beloved pet, or any number of other changes in life, such as divorce, becoming an "empty nester," or retirement. Anyone can experience grief and loss, but not everyone will experience clinical depression, which differs from grief in that depression involves a range of other symptoms such as feelings of low self-worth, negative thoughts about the future, and suicide, whereas grief involves feelings of emptiness, loss and longing for a loved one, with an intact capacity to feel pleasure. Each person is unique in how they cope with these feelings. Which of the following increases a person's risk for depression?Research suggests that continuing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness or prolonged exposure to stress at work can increase the risk of depression.
What are the psychological factors of depression?Studies on psychological factors—key points:. There are many affective risk factors linked to depression.. Determinants of depression include negative self-concept, sensitivity to rejection, neuroticism, rumination, negative emotionality, and others.. What is the purpose of research about depression?The study of depression focuses on neuroscience, reflecting the essential characteristics of depression as a category of mental illness and better reflecting the fact that depression is an important link in the human public health care.
Which of the following is a reason that depression is associated with heart disease?When you experience depression, anxiety or stress your heart rate and blood pressure rise, there's reduced blood flow to the heart and your body produces higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Over time, these effects can lead to heart disease.
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