Depression
Causes of Depression and Risk Factors
In the past, doctors believed depression was triggered by thoughts and
emotions that trouble the person. However, recent studies have proven
that the mechanisms that lead to depression are more complex. Even if
today’s technology and knowledge allows us a better understanding,
scientists are still unable to establish the exact causes that trigger
depression. However, they are sure that a combination of several factors
contributes to depression onset and evolution.
The Causes of Depression can be connected to a number
of different factors which include:
1. Genetic vulnerability: Clinical experience and trials have
proven that depression runs in the family. However, genetic studies were
recently able to establish that a person inherits a vulnerability to depression,
but not the disorder. This means that a history of depressive disorders
in the family increases the risk of developing depression. People with
a family member suffering from depression are one-and-a-half to three
times more likely to suffer from depression themselves than a member of
the general population.
| 2.
Chemical changes in the brain: Additional
research indicates that depression can be caused
by an imbalance in neurotransmitters .
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances used by
the brain cells to communicate with one another.
The two neurotransmitters with a major role in
depression are: serotonin and norepinephrine. A
serotonin deficit can cause sleep problems,
irritability, anxiety (associated with
depression), while a norepinephrine deficit can
cause fatigue and a low mood. However, the
neurotransmitter deficit is not the only cause of
the chemical imbalance. One of the following
situations can also play a major role in
depression: I). There are not enough receptor
sites in the brain to receive neurotransmitters.
II). The neurotransmitters boomerang back to
their starting point before reaching the
receptors.
III). There is a deficit of chemicals that help
in manufacturing neurotransmitters.
IV). The number of molecules that facilitate the neurotransmitter
production is too small.
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Medical studies also suggest that an important role in causing depression
is played by a hormone called cortisol that is normally produced by the
body in response to stress, fear, and anger. Usually, the level of cortisol
varies during the day, being high in the morning and decreases during
the day. In depressed people, this hormone is present in high amounts
all day long. Researchers have also proven that the amount of cortisol
increases in people that experience long-term stress.
3. Environmental Situations:
Certain life situations can cause depression, such as:
- The loss of someone loved by physical separation
or death.
- The loss of possessions, belongings and positions
(divorce, retirement, or job loss).
- The loss of personal goals and dreams.
- Lack of social support.
4. Substance Abuse: People that drink alcohol,
use illegal drugs or have a substance abuse problem can
develop depression.
5. Physical factors
Certain physical factors can cause depression. Some of
these factors include:
Lack of exercise: There is
a significant relationship between an inactive
life style and depression. Physical activity
changes the brain chemistry causing improvements
in mild to moderate depression patients. Research
has proven that regular physical exercise
influences the level of serotonin (the
neurotransmitter that plays an important role in
depression) leading to improved moods and
feelings of well-being. Physical exercise burns
the stress related chemicals (such as adrenaline)
which helps the body to relax, increases the
amount of endorphins, and boosts the body
temperature which seems to help the body by
influencing the brain chemicals. Exercising not
only influences the brain chemistry, but also
improves the person’s self-esteem,
confidence, and can break down the pessimism
because they are playing an active role in their
recovery through positive and pleasant
experiences.
Nutritional deficiencies:
Depression can be aggravated by nutritional
deficiencies. The nutritional deficiencies
include:
- Excessive consumption of sucrose (sugar):
Excessive amounts of sugar or sweet foods can
aggravate depression.
- Excessive amount of magnesium or vanadium.
- Amino acids imbalance: Certain amino acids
have similar properties with neurotransmitters,
and play an important role in treating
depression. A deficiency of these amino acids may
lead to depression. They include:
(1) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural
anti-anxiety chemical, is present in low amounts
in depressed people.
(2) L-tryptophan is a precursor to the serotonin
synthesis that needs to be kept to a normal level
in order to treat/prevent depression and maintain
emotional balance.
(3) Tyrosine is a precursor of two
neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine,
both playing an important role in controlling the
mood.
(4) DL-phenylalanine (DLPA or phenylalanine) is a
precursor to the norepinephrine synthesis
(neurotransmitters with an important role in
depression). Norepinephrine controls the mood. A
study conducted on depressed patients showed
rapid improvement in those who received a
supplement of phenylalanine and vitamin B6.
- Food allergies
- Excessive consumption of caffeine: A
high intake of caffeine has being strongly linked
to depression. A study conducted on healthy
college students showed that moderate to high
coffee drinkers obtained higher scores on a
depression scale than those with a low coffee
intake. Other studies have showed that depressed
patients tend to drink higher amounts of coffee
(more than 700mg per day).
- Deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B,
vitamin C, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium,
potassium, or biotin.
6. Medical Disorders: People that suffer from
medical disorders (such as diabetes, stroke and
cardiovascular disease, hormonal disorders, lung disease,
multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, brain
tumors, Parkinson’s disease, temporal lope epilepsy,
systemic lupus erythematosus, AIDS, influenza, mononucleosis, syphilis
-late stage, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, viral
pneumonia, Candida,
hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, fibromyalgia,
hypoglycemia) and psychological disorders (such as
anxiety disorders, phobias) also experience depression.
Diabetes and Depression
- People that suffer from adult onset diabetes
have a 25 percent higher risk for depression.
- Seventy percent of the patients that suffer
diabetic complications suffer from depression.
Heart Diseases and Depression
- Forty to 65 percent of the patients that have
experienced a heart attack suffer from
depression.
- Clinically depressed patients that have
suffered a heart attack have a three to four
times greater risk to die within the next six
months.
- Eighteen to 20 percent of the patients that suffer from coronary
heart diseases, but did not experience a heart attack, suffer from
depression.
Stroke and Depression
- Ten to 27 percent of patients that have experienced a stroke suffer
from depression for at least one year after.
- Fifteen to 40 percent of stroke survivors experience depression
symptoms within the next two months that follows the stroke.
Cancer and Depression
- One in four patients that suffer from cancer
experience clinical depression (depression is not
a side effect of the cancer treatment and it is
not caused by the disease itself).
7. Medication: Certain medication (such as
tranquilizers and sedatives, antipsychotic drugs,
antihistamines, Beta-blockers, high blood pressure
medications, birth control pills, anti-inflammatory
agents, corticosteroids, adrenal hormone agents,
Cimetidine, Cycloserine -an antibiotic, Indomethacin,
Reserpine, Vinblastine, Vincristine) can cause depression
as a side effect when administrated.
Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Depression Bibliography
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