Depression, one of the early 21st century’s most preoccupying issues has been the topic of much debate and research from leading scientific countries. In regarding the severity of this illness its exponential growth has reached dramatic levels around the world with an estimated 350 million people of all ages suffering from depression (1), furthermore, garnering the attention of the World Health Organization. How do we combat this epidemic, moreover prevent it in its entirety? In conclusion perhaps a shift in focus to the underlying causes ranging from environmental to genetic factors may shed some light into this illness.
Causes for Depression
Understanding depression and how it’s caused is a complex problem that has perplexed brilliant psychologists;
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Stressors at home or workplace are common and as a result our thoughts, emotions, and behavior are affected in negative ways. Traumatic events are linked to the onset of depression; loss of loved ones, abusive relationships, and medical illnesses could trigger an episode of depression. Further traumatic events hinder our capability to recover from a bout of depression.
Biological causes for depression are those associated with our brain which controls basic functions such as thoughts and emotions. Researchers are particularly interested in the limbic system as well as the role of neurotransmitters within neurons (3). The limbic system regulates emotions and stress response which are key in understanding how depression begins. Hormonal imbalance on the endocrine system is a sign of depression for irregularities arise when hormones reach abnormal levels. This causes the (3).
Genetic causes for depression are inherited from family members with a chance of 1.5 to 3 times more likely to inherit this illness as opposed to someone with no close relatives with depression (4). Research has tried to find a gene responsible for the development of depression to no avail. It would seem that no single gene can be solely attributed to the illness