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The cause of depression is always to be linked to several factors. There is not one specific cause to which depression can be attributed. The disease often appears repeatedly in certain families. Experts suppose that this reccurence is due to a genetic predisposition. Combined with certain environmental factors, such as stress or disease, that predisposition disrupts the neurotransmitter balance in the brain, which ultimately results in depression. It is especially a disbalance in the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine which causes dejection.
Scientists have still not figured out how a disbalance in certain neurotransmitters can cause the symptoms. Therefore, it is not yet certain whether such disbalances are the cause or the consequence of depression.
Factors which contribute to depression are:
• Heredity
Researchers have detected a number of genes which have to do with the bipolar syndrome and are now investigating genes which are linked to other forms of dejection. However, that does not necessarily mean that if depression runs in the family, that all relatives will suffer from depression. The other way around too, depressions are often diagnosed with people in whose family no one else has the disease.
• Stress
Situations which cause stress, such as the impending loss of a beloved or your job may cause depression.
• Medication
The prolonged use of certain medication can negatively influence the development of depression as well. Sleeping pills, medication for high blood pressure or anticonception pills may cause symptoms of dejection and depression.
• Disease
People with certain chronic diseases, such as a heart condition, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer’s tend to develop a depression more easily. An overactive thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism, even in a mild form, may bring about depression too.
• Character
Should you have certain characteristics, such as a low self-image, large dependence on others, much self-criticism, pessimistic attitude and a low stress tolerance, you are much more susceptible to depression.
• Postnatal depression
It is perfectly natural for mothers to feel down for several days after having given birth. Low spirits, anger, anxiety and irritability are very common the first days and weeks after birth. A much more severe form, however, is the postnatal depression, which distinguishes itself through the intensity of the depressed feelings and the persistence of the symptoms.
• Hormones
Women develop twice as many depressions as men. That is why scientists suppose that hormones definitely play a role in the development of depression.
• Alchol, nicotine and drugs
One used to think that a depressed person started using alcohol, cigarettes and drugs to numb the symptoms. Now, however, it has been ascertained that using those drugs can be the cause of the disease as well.
• Social environment
The familial and social environment may determine whether or not you will suffer from depression. Especially with children, a negative and stressed atmosphere at home may influence their self-image and lead to depression. Social circumstances, such as having debts or being unemployed aggravate dejection too.
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