......................................................................................
CAUSES OF
DEPRESSION
Thanks
to the National Institute of Mental Health
for the following information.
Depression - 3
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.
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.
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. Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated
by only mild stresses, or none at all.
Depression
in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men.1
Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression
in women particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy,
miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women
also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and
home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.
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Part 2
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