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What
are the causes of Depression?
In some families, major
depression 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. A serious loss, difficult relationship,
financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired)
change in life patterns or medical illness 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.
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What
are the Risk Factors for Depression?
| • |
Personal
history of depressive disorder. |
| • |
Family
history of depressive disorder. |
| • |
Prior
suicide attempts. |
| • |
Female
gender. |
| • |
Lack
of social supports. |
| • |
Stressful
life events. |
| • |
Current
substance abuse.
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Important
Information about Depression
| • |
Depression
is a medical illness, not a character defect or weakness. |
| • |
Recovery
is the rule, not the exception. |
| • |
Treatments
are effective, and there are many options for treatment. An
effective treatment can be found for nearly all patients.
|
| • |
For
many patients with Major Depressive Disorder, antidepressant
medications have proven to be particularly helpful.
|
| • |
The
aim of treatment is complete symptom remission, not just getting
better, but getting and staying well. |
| • |
The
risk of recurrence is significant: 50 percent after one episode,
70 percent after two episodes, 90 percent after three episodes.
|
| • |
The
patient and family should be alert to early signs and symptoms
of recurrence and seek treatment early if depression returns.
|
| • |
Denial
of the illness and failure to seek treatment can be associated
with prolonged illness and the risk of self- injury or suicide
in severe situations.
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You
can have a physical condition or disease and depression
The
incidence of a major depressive episode at some time in the course
of several other medical conditions is around 25%. Depression
can occur with any physical diseases, but the literature reports
the following illnesses as associated with depression:
| • |
Alzheimer's |
• |
Cancer
of head of the pancreas |
| • |
ALS
|
• |
Chronic
myelogenous leukemia |
| • |
Brain
tumor |
• |
Lymphoma |
| • |
CVA
|
• |
Small
cell lung cancer |
| • |
Multiple
Sclerosis |
• |
Addison's |
| • |
Parkinson's |
• |
Hypothyroidism |
| • |
HIV |
• |
Diabetes |
| • |
Lupus |
• |
Parathyroid
disorders |
| • |
Rheumatoid
arthritis |
• |
COPD |
| • |
Sequela
of myocardial infarction |
|
|
Learn
more about depression and physical illness here.
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|
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©FutureHealth®
Corporation. This work, and the copyright on it, is the property
of FutureHealth® Corporation and may not be used, reproduced,
or disclosed to any third party, in whole or in part, without its
prior written permission. All rights reserved.
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