What Causes Depression?

There are numerous factors which can lead to a person developing a depressive illness. Many experts agree that depression can be hereditary, and if a family has been known to have a history of depression, there is a good chance that the following generation will have it as well.

It is also suggested that people who suffer from depression had a pre-existing vulnerability to the condition, and that somehow it has been triggered by a stressful event. This pre-existing vulnerability can be either genetic or something that has been learned during the course of the sufferer's life.

So while we don’t fully understand exactly what causes depression, it is widely agreed that it is caused by one of, or a combination of: Biological, Psychological, Physical, and/or Social factors.

Biological

Psychiatrists and other physicians will usually try to treat depression by prescribing antidepressants, which are drugs that work by altering the levels of various neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay information between the cells of the brain.

The neurotransmitter that is most commonly affected by antidepressants is Serotonin which controls and regulates the levels of other neurotransmitters such as Norepinephrine and Dopamine. It is generally believed that low levels of one or more of these neurotransmitters is what leads to depression.

So antidepressants are designed to increase the levels of neurotransmitters, and the particular one prescribed will depend upon the specific symptoms the patient exhibits. While most cases of depression are treated successfully in this manner, there may still be some issues to be resolved.

Psychological

Psychiatrists may also treat the condition on a psychological level. Most importantly in this respect, it is believed that the ability of an individual (who suffers depressive attacks) to deal with everyday events in a normal way is somehow impaired.

Studies show that people who have suffered emotional or psychological trauma are more likely to develop depression later on in life. This is particularly true if the trauma occurred during the person's formative years, or was caused by a trusted figure in their life. Pessimism can also make it easier for a person to slide into depression, but most do not see it as a major factor.

Anxiety disorders may also lead to depression. According to some studies, this stems from a negative self-perception that cripples a person's ability to fulfill their perceived duties. As the 'negative self-perception' takes hold, it begins to alter the person's view of reality. Eventually as depression sets in, everything appears bleak and hopeless. Sufferers are also usually quick to blame themselves for negative events, and far less likely to take credit for positive ones.

Psychological factors that can lead to depression:

• Low self-esteem/confidence.
• Being overweight.
• Financial problems.
• Relationship problems.

Physical

If a person has a life threatening disease or had a disfiguring accident, it would not be too surprising if they went on to develop a depressive illness as a result. However, this would still be classed as psychological, as the illness or accident would not have affected the brain chemistry directly.

There are several physical conditions that can cause depressive symptoms, but when these conditions are treated can result in significant improvements. These include:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) has many symptoms, some of which include lethargy, weight gain, and depression. However, when diagnosed by way of blood tests it can be treated with natural or synthetic thyroid hormones, and the symptoms of depression can go away.

 

Sleep Apnea

This is a sleep disorder where an individual stops breathing for at least ten seconds, and occurs at least thirty times while sleeping at nighttime.  There are different types of apnea.  For example, one type called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs due to narrowing or obstruction of the airway. 

It can result in significant sleepiness during the daytime, as well as symptoms of depression.  Once a diagnosis is made by your physician, use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is the usual treatment.  If the type of apnea is OSA, then loss of weight may also be recommended.

 

Vitamin Deficiencies

It is understood that Vitamin D deficiencies may contribute to depressive symptoms, and simple blood tests can be used for confirmation.  Vitamins B12 and folic acid (Vitamin B9) should also be tested for, as some studies point to the link between deficiencies in these vitamins and depression.

 

Celiac Disease

Indicated by a sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley products), resulting in intestinal absorption problems.  Symptoms vary in individuals, and may include nausea, indigestion, mouth sores, and even depression.  Once celiac disease is confirmed by blood tests for gluten antibodies and a test of the intestinal lining, a gluten-free diet must be initiated.

 

Pregnancy

Even before you know you're pregnant, depression can present itself as the hormonal changes begin to take place in your body. Depression may not be the first sign, but it could be one of the early signs that you are pregnant. If there's any possibility that you may be pregnant, make sure you tell your doctor when you go in for help with your depression.

 

Cancerous Tumors

Studies have shown that a cancerous tumor may generate chemicals that induce depression. These chemicals then make their way to the brain where they affect those areas responsible for emotions.  Also, theses tumors may inhibit the production of corticosterone, which is a stress hormone that decreases the effects of other depression-causing substances.

 

Stress

It is well known that too much stress can lead to depression. And because ‘stress’ is such a generalized term, and seems to be common to everyone, many people who feel depressed may not think to look to their lifestyle as the possible culprit. In other words, stress has become the new norm.

Some signs that your depression may be due to stress include:

• Nightmares and/or sleep disturbances.
• Inability to sleep.
• Irritability.
• Isolation and withdrawal.
• A sense of regret or guilt.
• Feeling overwhelmed.

 

Conclusion

Before a diagnosis of depression is made, it is always important that any physical reasons for the symptoms of depression be considered.  With the right treatment, significant improvements in symptoms can be expected. 

Social

There are several social aspects that are believed to contribute to depression, such as social isolation, abuse, or major deprivation. The ability to deal with the social aspects of depression will largely depend upon whether those causes are in the past or still present.

If in the past, the social aspects can be dealt with by suitable counseling, whereas in the present, the problems must be dealt as appropriate such as trying to spend time with others, or calling the authorities in the case of abuse.

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