subject: What Causes Depression Manifest [print this page] What Causes Depression Manifest What Causes Depression Manifest
What causes depression to manifest? Biology and sociological factors are the primary things to look at when trying to determine why you or someone you know may have a depression.
For the past generation psychiatry has what causes depression is an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Neurotransmitters are biochemical molecules in our brain involved in regulating mood. Serotonin is a well known neurotransmitter.
But, research is finding that serotonin, while still a player, isnt as important as we thought it was. [1]
Our behaviors and social stressors are also at play. What causes depression in one person may have no effect on another person.
For example, one person may have the social stressor of a job loss and manage to remain active and optimistic in a new job search while demonstrating no symptoms of depression, whatsoever.
Then, a second person experiences the same job loss but handles it very differently and gets depressed. The second person may have additional social stressors like a bigger family to support, or lower self-esteem.
Or, he or she may have a biological factor called a "genetic predisposition" which means his or her biology cannot withstand the stress of the job loss.
Therefore, the biochemistry falls out of balance negatively affecting important neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
If depression happens very early on in life, it is more likely to leave a lasting impact on later years, or even become chronic and worsen over time [2].
Further down you can read about what causes depression in teens.
Biological Causes of Depression
genetics
serotonin imbalance
long-term presence of the stress hormone cortisol
surplus of noradrenaline
illness
medications such as steroids and narcotics
adrenal problems
thyroid problems
improper calcium levels
anemia
arthritis
heart disease
cancer
viral infections
liver infections
brain infections
Chronic premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Chronic pain
Social Causes of Depression
social stressors
the death of a loved one
moving from one place to another
financial problems
relationship conflict
career problems
poverty
living with someone who has serious medical problems
drinking alcohol
using illegal drugs
having a substance abuse problem
Recent childbirth (Postpartum Depression)
fatigue
learned beliefs of powerlessness
racism
homophobia
Causes of Childhood Depression
Childhood trauma - emotional, physical or sexual abuse
yelling or threats of abuse
neglect (includes two parents working)
criticism
inappropriate or unclear expectations
maternal separation
family conflict
divorce
violence in the family, neighborhood or TV
racism
poverty [2]
Causes of Teen Depression
normal maturation process
sex hormones
independence conflicts with parents
disturbing events such as the loss of a loved one
a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend
failure at school
low self esteem
highly critical self-talk
little sense of control over stressful events*homophobia
References
[1] Prof Steven Dubovsky, Mind Body Deceptions (New York, Norton & Co, 1997)
[2] Danya Glaser, "Child Abuse and Neglect and the Brain," J Child Psychol. & Psychiat. 2000, 41:1:97-116; L Rowell Huesmann, et al., University of Michigan, "Longitudinal Relations Between Children's Exposure to TV Violence and Their Aggressive and Violent Behavior in Young Adulthood: 1977 - 1992," Developmental Psychology, 39:2.
