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Causes | Basics | Symptoms | Signs | Types of Depression
Biological
Causes | Genetic Causes | Environmental
Causes
Psychological Causes | Medical
Illness Causes | Other Causes.
Medical Illness / Condition as a Cause of Depression
All individuals are vulnerable to depression, but people with a serious medical illness or condition may be at greater risk. Medical conditions can trigger depression in those who are vulnerable, or it can psychologically precipitate an episode, or it can actually be the root cause of depression. It is estimated that 10% - 18% of all depression is caused by an existing medical condition. Conversely, individuals who are suffer from depression could be at greater risk for developing certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of depression may also indicate the presence of a medical condition. If a serious medical condition is identified and treated it may alleviate the depressive symptoms. In addition, treatment for both the depression and the medical illness will aid the patient in managing both conditions. The net effect is an improvement in the quality of life.
A physician should determine whether depression is caused by a medical condition or illness. Usually a thorough medical evaluation by a physician is required to reach this conclusion.
Some doctors and researchers have concluded that physiological causes of depression are common. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has stated, "The diagnosis of subclinical (without obvious signs) or clinical hypothyroidism must be considered in every patient with depression." In other words, every individual with depression should be tested for hypothyroidism because of its frequent presence and link to depression.
Medical Illnesses or Conditions that can be Related to Depression
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Physical Sources
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Medical Conditions
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Drugs
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| Adrenal function - poor Candida (yeast infection) Exercise - little or none Fibromyalgia Food Allergies Heavy metals (such as mercury and lead) Hyperthyroidism Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism Nutritional deficiencies Premenstrual syndrome Selenium toxicity Sleep disturbances |
Arthritis Brain tumors Cancer Cancer of the pancreas Chronic inflammation Chronic pain Diabetes Epilepsy Head injury Heart problems Huntington's disease Liver disease Lung disease Lupus Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Stroke |
Antihistamines Anti-inflammatory agents Antipsychotic drugs Beta-blockers Birth control pills Cimetidine Corticosteroids (adrenal hormone agents) Cycloserine (antibiotic) High blood pressure drugs Indomethacin Reserpine Sedatives Tranquilizers Vinblastine Vincristine |
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Infections
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Hormonal disorders
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| AIDS Influenza Mononucleosis Syphilis (late stage) Tuberculosis Viral hepatitis Viral pneumonia |
Addison’s disease (low adrenal function) Cushing’s Disease (excessive pituitary hormone production) High levels of parathyroid hormone Low levels of pituitary hormones |
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