Depression Causes
No overarching cause of depression has ever been located, and it appears unlikely that it ever will. There are, however, a number of factors of which some or all are routinely found in the cases of severe depressives. The theory of Heredity has been posited by a number of medical professionals, and it is certainly the case that the condition is often found in a number of members of the same family. However, this does not draw a direct line to Heredity theory, as there are numerous environmental and socialization factors that need also be taken into account. Living with a person suffering depression is known to increase the likelihood of suffering the condition oneself, and there is some evidence to suggest that 'depressed behaviour' can be mirrored by family, friends of partners of the victim, which can result in development of the condition.
Depression is frequently linked with painful childhood experiences that may include violence or abandonment. The condition may also occur as the result of a sudden, painful experience in adult life; such as redundancy, violent assault, divorce or separation. Depression can, in reality, be an extreme effect of any rational (but painful) responses to any upsetting event. Although feelings of despair and self-loathing are regarded as symptoms of depression, the success rate of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other forms of talking therapy which attempt to alter thought patterns suggests that there may be some two-way process.
In simple terms: the habit of thinking negatively may encourage the development of the condition which makes this thinking involuntary. Depression is occasionally the side-effect of using a prescription medication, and in these cases, patients will usually have been made aware of this before treatment began. There are other physiological theories of depression that explore the role of the hippocampus; as it is known that depressives have a reduced number of neurons in this area of the brain.
SSRIs and other anti-depressants allow the hippocampus to regain these neurons, which in turn, encourages the production of more brain serotonin. Depression can also be brought on by an underlying medical condition. Some of the more common medical causes include cardiovascular disease, Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis and hypothyroidism. Other determining factors include a poor diet, rich in fatty foods and linking in vitamins and nutrients, and excessive use of alcohol and recreational drugs.