Main Causes of Depression

Depression results from a combination of  genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. There is no single known cause  of depression. Though a particular event or cause may lead to Depression, for example: death of a loved one, loss of job, divorce, etc. Depression is often a result of a combination of factors for instance a person genetically predisposed to Depression may not show any signs or symptoms of the illness until he/she is exposed to certain environmental factors (thus suggesting a play of situational and genetic factors). Furthermore, a person not having any family history of Depression may suffer from depression and so on.

Reduction of a brain hormone called  serotonin is linked to depression.  It is also found that  certain brain areas sensitive to emotion are overactive. And these changes in the brain, give rise to various symptoms of depression.

Whatever the cause-environmental and/or brain related- depression can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, or gender. 

The main causes of Depression can be summarized thus:

1) Genetic Factors: Where depression runs in the family.

2) Situational or Environmental Factors: Death,stress, loss of job, marital discord,failure in examination, financial difficulties,trauma, etc.

3) Biochemical Changes in the Brain: Reduction in serotonin levels.

4) Psychological Factors: expossure to intense emotions of sadness and grief.

5) Economic Factors: Studies have revealed a strong link between depression and poverty.

Read more on Depression:

http://healthmad.com/mental-health/depression-is-an-illness-and-not-you/

Other Health related topics by the same author:

http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/liver-disease-on-the-rise-in-uk/