Causes of Depression
Cause details for Depression: There is no single cause of depression. For some people, just one event can bring on the illness. Others seem to become depressed for no clear reason. It appears to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors. 1
Sometimes people get seriously depressed after something like a divorce in the family, major financial problems, someone you love dying, a messed up home life, or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Other times - like with other illnesses - depression just happens. Often teenagers react to the pain of depression by getting into trouble: trouble with alcohol, drugs, or sex; trouble with school or bad grades; problems with family or friends. This is another reason why it's important to get treatment for depression before it leads to other trouble. 2
Evidence from neuroscience, genetics, and clinical investigation demonstrate that depression is a disorder of the brain. Modern brain imaging technologies are revealing that in depression, neural circuits responsible for the regulation of moods, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior fail to function properly, and that critical neurotransmitters – chemicals used by nerve cells to communicate – are out of balance. Genetics research indicates that vulnerability to depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental factors. Studies of brain chemistry and of mechanisms of action of antidepressant medications continue to inform the development of new and better treatments. 3
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hormonal system that regulates the body's response to stress, is overactive in many people with depression. Research findings suggest that persistent overactivation of this system may lay the groundwork for depression. 4
There is no one cause of depression. For some people, one event can bring on the illness. Depression often strikes people who felt fine but who are struggling with a death in the family or a sudden illness. Sometimes differences in brain chemistry can affect mood and cause depression. Sometimes people become depressed for no clear reason. 5
Triggers discussion for Depression: The death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a new place, money problems, or any sort of loss can contribute to depression. People without relatives or friends to help may have even more difficulty coping with stress. Sadness and grief are normal responses to loss, but if they linger or are severe, professional help should be sought. 6
Underlying condition causes of Depression: The list of possible underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Depression) mentioned in various sources as possible causes of Depression includes:
- Emotional upsets
- Divorce
- Relationship ending
- Major financial problems
- Death in the family
- Grief
- Home problems
- Various medical conditions
- Post-viral syndrome
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer patients (type of Immune deficiency conditions)
- Stroke patients
- See also misdiagnosis of depression for other possibilities
- Various hormonal conditions
- Hormonal disorders (type of Endocrine disorders)
- Hypothyroidism
- Menopause - may trigger changes leading to a risk of depression
- Various substances and medications:
- Alcohol abuse - alcohol abuse can cause depression or be caused by it.
- Drug abuse - may cause or be caused by depression.
- Withdrawal of alcohol
- Withdrawal of drugs
- See also medication causes of depression
Depression as a complication: Other conditions that might have Depression as a complication might be potential underlying causes of Depression. The list of conditions listing Depression as a complication in our database includes:
- Addison's Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Asperger syndrome
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism
- Balance disorders
- Benzodiazepine abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Cystitis
- Dysthymia
- Fecal incontinence
- Hearing Impairment
- Osteoarthritis
- Panic disorder
- Parkinson's Disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Porphyria
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Problem Sleepiness
- Short Bowel Syndrome
- Social phobia
- Vitiligo
Depression as a symptom: Conditions listing Depression as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Depression. The list of conditions listing Depression as a symptom in our database includes:
- Addison's Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Amphetamines
- Autoimmune thyroid diseases
- Biotin deficiency
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Cocaine
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Cushing's syndrome
- Dementia With Lewy Bodies
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Gulf War syndrome
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Huntington's Disease
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Lupus
- Menopause
- Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Panic disorder
- Pellagra
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Porphyria
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Prion diseases
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
- Psychosis
- Rabies
- Sleep apnea
- Stress
- Thyroid disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Whiplash
Causes of Depression: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Depression:
- Acne drug allegedly linked to another suicide
- ADHD medication may be linked to adult depression
- Brain operation can be greatly influenced by the type of foods eaten
- Certain factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression
- Changing antidepressants may prevent sexual dysfunction side effects
- Children with endocrinal disorders suffer greater stress from bullying
- Chronic pain in diabetics compromises level of self-care
- Depression and anxiety following birth may be reduced by iron supplementation
- Depression has recognizable symptoms and is treatable
- Depression linked to childhood bullying
- Depression may be triggered by overactive brain
- Depression reduces likelihood of successful treatment of hepatitis C
- Doubts over the real cause of depression
- Effect of depression amplifies through generations
- Excess weight is linked to a myriad of diseases
- Failure to diagnose broken back leads to $2.5 million lawsuit victory
- FDA finally acknowledges suicide risk associated with antidepressant use in children
- Fibroymalia is an underdiagnosed condition which is finally gaining recognition
- Hypothyroidism frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed
- Implanted device alleviates previously untreatable seizure problems
- Lawyers disproportionately suffer from stress, depression and alcohol abuse
- Many possible triggers for depression
- Mirtazapine can greatly reduced depression rates in stroke patients
- Obesity is associated with an increased risk of many conditions
- Omega-3 fatty acids may improve mental health as well as prevent heart disease
- Reduced libido could be caused by a number of conditions
- Symptoms of old age may be similar to many other treatable conditions
- The cause of anorexia needs to be determined to deliver effective treatment
- Trichotillomania is a rare compulsive hair pulling disorder
- Victims of partner violence at greater risk of long term health problems
Related information for causes of Depression:
Further relevant information on causes of Depression may be found
in the risk factors for Depression
and underlying causes of Depression.
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Depression: NWHIC
2. excerpt from Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH
3. excerpt from Depression Research: NIMH
4. excerpt from The Invisible Disease Depression: NIMH
5. excerpt from Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
6. excerpt from If You're Over 65 and Feeling Depressed Treatment Brings New Hope: NIMH
Last revision:
July 1, 2003
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Medical Articles: