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Causes of Depression

Contents

Depression: Introduction
List of Causes
Causes Discussion
Drugs/substances (833 causes)
Drug interaction (524 causes)
Hidden causes
Complication causes
Causes of symptoms
News
Related cause information

List of causes of Depression

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Depression) that could possibly cause Depression includes:

Depression may be directly related to a significant event in our lives such as losing a loved one, experiencing trauma, or battling a chronic illness. Other caused may involve:
Pre-menstrual and postnatal hormone changes
Hormone deficiencies
Alcoholism
Drug dependency
Low levels of neurotransmitters
Genetic basis
Drug use
Drug abuse
Substance induced mood disorder
Post partum
Social factors
Psychological factors

More causes:see full list of causes for Depressive symptoms

Race Patterns for Depression Causes:

Racial Information for Depression: Severe chronic depression is another problem that commonly affects Latinas; about one-half of Hispanic... (Source: excerpt from Minority: NWHIC) ...more »

Depression Causes: Male-Female Gender Ratio

Gender of Patients for Depression: Twice as many women as men....more »

Gender Profile of Depression: Nearly twice as many women (12 percent) as men (7 percent) are affected by a depressive illness each... (Source: excerpt from Depression Research: NIMH) ...more »

Depression: Related Medical Conditions

To research the causes of Depression, consider researching the causes of these these diseases that may be similar, or associated with Depression:

Depression: Causes and Types

Causes of Types of Depression: Review the cause informationfor the various types of Depression:

Postpartum depression - depression after childbirth
Dysthymia - a mild form of depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder - a seasonal sunlight-related form of depression.
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Social phobia
more types...»

Causes of Broader Categories of Depression: Review the causal information about the various more general categories of medical conditions:

Depression as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Depression as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Depression. Our database lists the following as having Depression as a complication of that condition:

Depression as a symptom:

Conditions listing Depression as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Depression. Our database lists the following as having Depression as a symptom of that condition:

Medications or substances causing Depression:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Depression as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

Diethylstilbestrol
Stilphostrol
Honvol
Sulfatrim DS
Sulfoxaprim
more drugs...»

See full list of 833 medications causing Depression

Drug interactions causing Depression:

When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Depression as a symptom.

The list below is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

Zolpidem and benzodiazepine interaction
Ambien and benzodiazepine interaction
Zolpidem and diazepam interaction
Ambien and diazepam interaction
Meprobamate and alcohol interaction
more interactions...»

See full list of 524 drug interactions causing Depression

What causes Depression?

Causes: Depression: There are many factors associated with the development of depression, which usually develops as due to a combination of reasons. These include an imbalance in the brain of chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Neurotransmitters function within areas of the brain that regulate emotions and mood. Situational or environmental factors also play a role. These include traumas or stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or a divorce. Depression may also run in families. Current research is searching for specific genes that may be involved in passing a tendency toward developing depression in family lines.
Article excerpts about the causes of Depression:

Depression: NWHIC (Excerpt)

There is no single cause of depression. For some people, just one event can bring on the illness. Others seem to become depressed for no clear reason. It appears to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors. (Source: excerpt from Depression: NWHIC)

Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH (Excerpt)

Sometimes people get seriously depressed after something like a divorce in the family, major financial problems, someone you love dying, a messed up home life, or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Other times - like with other illnesses - depression just happens. Often teenagers react to the pain of depression by getting into trouble: trouble with alcohol, drugs, or sex; trouble with school or bad grades; problems with family or friends. This is another reason why it's important to get treatment for depression before it leads to other trouble. (Source: excerpt from Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH)

Depression Research: NIMH (Excerpt)

Evidence from neuroscience, genetics, and clinical investigation demonstrate that depression is a disorder of the brain. Modern brain imaging technologies are revealing that in depression, neural circuits responsible for the regulation of moods, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior fail to function properly, and that critical neurotransmitters – chemicals used by nerve cells to communicate – are out of balance. Genetics research indicates that vulnerability to depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental factors. Studies of brain chemistry and of mechanisms of action of antidepressant medications continue to inform the development of new and better treatments. (Source: excerpt from Depression Research: NIMH)

The Invisible Disease Depression: NIMH (Excerpt)

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hormonal system that regulates the body's response to stress, is overactive in many people with depression. Research findings suggest that persistent overactivation of this system may lay the groundwork for depression. ¹³ (Source: excerpt from The Invisible Disease Depression: NIMH)

Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness -- Age Page -- Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)

There is no one cause of depression. For some people, one event can bring on the illness. Depression often strikes people who felt fine but who are struggling with a death in the family or a sudden illness. Sometimes differences in brain chemistry can affect mood and cause depression. Sometimes people become depressed for no clear reason. (Source: excerpt from Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness -- Age Page -- Health Information: NIA)

Medical news summaries relating to Depression:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Depression:

Related information on causes of Depression:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Depression may be found in:

» Next page: Risk Factors for Depression

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