Depression Support Journal

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http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/106/108353.htm

WebMD Medical Reference

• • Emotional Symptoms
• • Physical Symptoms
• • Causes of Depression
• • Finding a Doctor or Therapist
• • Treatments for Depression
• • Preparing for Your First Appointment
• • Getting the Most from Treatment
• • Helping a Depressed Loved One
• • Offering Support

• Back to Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression

Health experts' understanding of depression has come a long way in the last few decades. In many cases, depression doesn't have only onecause. It often results from a mix of biology, psychology, and stressful or traumatic events.

Reasons for depression include:

• Biology. Researchers still have a lot to learn about exactly why people become depressed. But some experts say depression often results from an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Antidepressants work by affecting the levels of these chemicals -- bringing them back into balance.

  There's also a genetic connection. If depression runs in your family, you have a higher chance of becoming depressed.

  Having other health conditions or diseases can increase your risk of depression. For instance, if you have a heart attack, you have a 65% risk of becoming depressed afterwards. Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, thyroid problems, and many others increase your risk of becoming depressed.

  Your gender makes a difference, too. Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed. No one's sure why. But the hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may be a factor.

• Psychology. Studies show that people who have a pessimistic personality are more likely to become depressed. This doesn't mean that getting a "better attitude" will resolve your depression.

• Stressful events. Many people become depressed during difficult times. Losing a family member or close friend, being diagnosed with a serious illness, going through a divorce, or any other traumatic event may trigger depression.

• Medications and substances. Many prescription drugs can cause the symptoms of depression. Alcohol or substance abuse is common in depressed people. It often makes their condition worse.

Some people have a clear senseof why they become depressed. Others don't. The most important thing to remember is that depression is not your fault. It's not a flaw in your character. It's a disease that can affect anyone.

Next: Finding a Doctor or Therapist

Published April 2005.

Reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD.

SOURCES: National Mental Health Association: "Depression: What You Need to Know." National Institute of Mental Health: "The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America." Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, Text Revision. American Psychiatric Association: "Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depression," 2000. Fochtmann, L. and Gelenberg, A. Guideline Watch: Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, 2nd Edition. Focus, Winter 2005: vol 3: pp 34-42. National Institutes of Mental Health: "Depression," Reprinted 2002. Compton M. "Depression and Bipolar Disorder," ACP Medicine, Psychiatry II, 2003. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: "Coping with Unexpected Events: Depression and Trauma."

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