Possible Causes of Depression including genetic disorder and chemical imbalance.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

A Lack of Full Understanding

The key understanding about the causes of depression - and, in fact, causes for any mental disorder - is that we still do not know what causes these mental disorders. It is generally believed that all mental disorders are caused by a complex interaction and combination of biological, psychological and social factors. This theory is called the bio-psycho-social model of causation and is the most generally accepted theory of the cause of disorders such as depression by professionals.

A Chemical Imbalance?

There are some theories that claim there are chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes. However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have psychological components as well. To support this, the chemical imbalances that occur during depression will usually have disappeared upon completion of a psychotherapy course for depression, without taking any medications to correct the imbalance. This suggests that the imbalance is the body's physical response to psychological depression, rather than the other way around.

Running in the Family

Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.

Psychological Predisposition?

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.

Physical and Mental Health Closely Related

In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.

The Pressures of Modern Life

The standard of living in the Western World is now as high as it has ever been and, barring any disaster, is likely to continue to rise. So why does research suggest that our quality of life and general happiness is falling? There are a number of possible reasons for this - Our lives are more fast-moving and stressful - we have less time to devote to activities that give us happiness. The complexity of our lives has increased - computer usage is constantly increasing. We have much more freedom of to do what we wan and be who we want - while this is a good thing in many ways, but too many choices can increase stress and result in the indidual losing focus on what they real want from their lives because sometimes choices need to be made for them. We are never happy with our lot - there is so much freedom in our lives and this allows us the possibility of being anyone or doing anything we want. The promotion of an ideal appearance and lifestyle in the media can give us heightened expectations of what our lives should be like and when those expectations are not met, depression can be a result.

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