Depression is a mood disorder. The current belief is that depression has a biochemical root. It is the result of skewed chemical levels in the brain. These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters. The levels of these neurotransmitters are affected biologically causing changes in a persons behavioral actions and reactions, ultimately resulting in depression.
There are many theories on the causes of these chemical changes in the brain and therefore depression:
Genetics
Studies of identical twins separated at birth show that if one develops depression the likelihood of the other also developing depression is 40%-50%. This number being much higher then the 20%-30% likelihood of depression in the general population. These studies point to the theory that there is a genetic link with depression. There are, in fact, many studies that have also shown that depression runs in families, similar to alcholism.
Biological Reasons
When a persons hormones are changed drastically, such as with childbirth or hypothyroidism, that person has a much higher chance of deeloping depression. This lends to the theory that the biochemical changes in the brain that are attributed to depression are negatively affected or controlled by hormones.
If a person is lacking in vitamins D or B12, they are said to be prone to depression. This is the case in people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When there is less sunlight (such as in winter time) people's bodies develop less vitamin D and this is one of the markers of SAD, which can then develop into full blown depression.
Life Stressors
Most of us experience some forms of stress in our lifetimes. For some people these stressors, such as being the victim of childhood abuse or bullying, the loss of a loved one, or extreme financial hardship can lead to depressive episodes. Much like when people get scared or thrilled their bodies produce adrenaline, these negative stressors must also cause the biochemical changes in the brain to create the perfect environment for depression to develop.
Personality
Some theorists believe that a persons personality affects whether they could develop depression. If a person keeps their emotions pent up or if they are perfectionists who could put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed, they could be at a higher risk of developing depression. Perhaps in the brains of these personality types the biochemical balance can be interupted through the stress they naturally experience.
So, as you can already see, the biochemical root of depression has been theorized to have many causes. While the intricate details of this are not clearly understood thus far, if you take anything away from this article it should be this:
Depression is due to a biochemical abnormality in the brain. It is not a result a result of anything you/the patient may have done.
There are many theories on the causes of these chemical changes in the brain and therefore depression:
Genetics
Studies of identical twins separated at birth show that if one develops depression the likelihood of the other also developing depression is 40%-50%. This number being much higher then the 20%-30% likelihood of depression in the general population. These studies point to the theory that there is a genetic link with depression. There are, in fact, many studies that have also shown that depression runs in families, similar to alcholism.
Biological Reasons
When a persons hormones are changed drastically, such as with childbirth or hypothyroidism, that person has a much higher chance of deeloping depression. This lends to the theory that the biochemical changes in the brain that are attributed to depression are negatively affected or controlled by hormones.
If a person is lacking in vitamins D or B12, they are said to be prone to depression. This is the case in people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When there is less sunlight (such as in winter time) people's bodies develop less vitamin D and this is one of the markers of SAD, which can then develop into full blown depression.
Life Stressors
Most of us experience some forms of stress in our lifetimes. For some people these stressors, such as being the victim of childhood abuse or bullying, the loss of a loved one, or extreme financial hardship can lead to depressive episodes. Much like when people get scared or thrilled their bodies produce adrenaline, these negative stressors must also cause the biochemical changes in the brain to create the perfect environment for depression to develop.
Personality
Some theorists believe that a persons personality affects whether they could develop depression. If a person keeps their emotions pent up or if they are perfectionists who could put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed, they could be at a higher risk of developing depression. Perhaps in the brains of these personality types the biochemical balance can be interupted through the stress they naturally experience.
So, as you can already see, the biochemical root of depression has been theorized to have many causes. While the intricate details of this are not clearly understood thus far, if you take anything away from this article it should be this:
Depression is due to a biochemical abnormality in the brain. It is not a result a result of anything you/the patient may have done.
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