Depression-Help-Center.com

Understanding Depression

Basics | Causes | Signs | Symptoms

Biological Causes | Genetic Causes | Environmental Causes
Psychological Causes | Medical Illness Causes | Other Causes.

Causes of Depression

The cause or causes clinical depression are not fully understood. There are numerous theories proposed by the experts. However, it is generally accepted by the medical establishment that clinical depression is the result of several factors, perhaps two or more, working in combination. For example, a person with low self-esteem (psychological factor) who is going through the stress of a divorce (environmental factor) may incur some type of illness (medical factor). The combination of the three factors above could lead to clinical depression.

It is important to note that the causes of clinical depression will affect different people in different ways. Some people may experience a depressive episode when everything in their life seems fine. Other people may experience a depressive episode that is related to a significant event in their life, such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce.

In addition, there are a group of "risk factors" that merit discussion. Although anyone can experience clinical depression, there are groups of people that tend to have a greater probability. If you fall into one of these groups you could be more vulnerable that others. Your emphasis should be on awareness and education about depression and take steps to recognize and prevent its occurence. The broad risk factors for depression are:

Risk Factors for Depression

  • Previous Episode - Those who have had depression in the past have a greater chance of developing it again.
  • Age - Usually depression affects adults between the ages of 20 to 50, but the elderly over 65 are at greater risk.
  • Gender - Women are about twice as likely to develop depression as men. Why? Perhaps women are more willling than men to seek treatment. Also, women tend to be under more stress than men, having to fulfill a number of difficult roles. And the effects of changes in hormone levels - from pregnancy to menopause - can lead to depression.
  • Heredity - If a person has a close realtive who has experienced clinical depression, then he or she has a higher chance of developing it also.

To learn more about the specific causes of depression, please click on any of the links at the top of the page or bottom of this page.

Biological Causes | Genetic Causes | Environmental Causes
Psychological Causes | Medical Illness Causes | Other Causes.

Disclaimer: This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. The statements in this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided in this web site has been compiled from various magazines and journals, research papers and clinical studies for the sole purpose of offering consumers information about depression and its treatments. © 2002-2004 All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be produced, reproduced or copied in any manner for public or private use without written consent from Depression-Help-Center.com. Please read our user agreement.