There is no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and has many different triggers. For some people, a disruptive or stressful life event, such as grief, divorce, illness, dismissal, and work or financial concerns, may be the cause. It is often said that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance, but that way of speaking does not capture the complexity of the disease.
Research suggests that depression doesn't just come from having too much or too little of certain chemicals in your brain. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. A number of these forces are thought to interact to cause depression. There are several ideas about the causes of depression.
It can vary greatly between different people, and for some people, a combination of different factors can cause their depression. Some find that they get depressed for no obvious reason. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. It can affect anyone of almost any age, but it is not always known what causes depression in some people.
Possible causes of depression may include genetics, brain chemistry, life events, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. A family history of depression may increase the risk of developing the condition. You are more likely to experience symptoms of depression if other people in your family also have depression or another type of mood disorder. Estimates suggest that depression is approximately 40% determined by genetics.
Studies of twins, adoption and family have linked depression to genetics. While studies suggest that there is a strong genetic component, researchers are not yet sure of all genetic risk factors for depression. It is important to remember that no single cause of depression acts in isolation. Genetics can increase your risk, and environmental influences can determine your likelihood of developing depression.
The disease is related to depression in two ways. The stress of having a chronic illness can trigger an episode of major depression. In addition, certain diseases, such as thyroid disorders, Addison's disease, and liver disease, can cause symptoms of depression. Stressful life events, which overwhelm a person's ability to cope, can also be a cause of depression.
Researchers suspect that high levels of the hormone cortisol, which are secreted during periods of stress, may affect the neurotransmitter serotonin and contribute to depression. Women may experience depression more often than men. And your genetics or other health conditions may increase the likelihood that you will have at least one depressive episode in your life. Depression is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year.
Anyone can experience depression even if there doesn't seem to be a reason for it. Causes of depression include difficulties in life, abnormalities in brain chemistry, some medications, and physical conditions. The good news is that depression is treatable. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider.
The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better.
