What Causes Depression ?

• The role of genetics. There appears to be an "inherited" component to many cases of depression. In other words, if other people in your immediate family are prone to depression, you may be more prone to depression yourself. For example, if one identical twin has depression, there is a 70% chance that the other twin will develop depression, too. Children, parents, and siblings of a depressed person (including nonidentical twins) have about a 15% chance of developing depression themselves. People without close relatives with depression have only a 2% to 3% chance of developing depression. It seems that there is truth to the idea that depression can "run in the family."
• Biochemical factors. A promising new area of research is exploring possible physical causes of depression. Many experts now believe that depression may be caused by an imbalance or disruption in the level of certain important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Although researchers do not yet have all of the answers, they have been able to develop a number of medications to modulate neurotransmitter levels which have been found effective in the treatment of depression.
• Illnesses, medications, and alcohol. Certain medical illness have been associated with an increased risk of developing depression, including hepatitis, strokes, Cushing's Disease, and thyroid problems. In addition, depression may sometimes result as a side effect of any of a number of different medications, such as birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, steroids, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. Alcohol is also a well known contributing factor.
• Developmental and other external factors. There is some evidence that children who experience early losses of important people, especially parents, may be more likely to develop depression later on in life. Relationship difficulties, communication problems, and conflicts with family, co-workers or others may also contribute to loneliness, alienation, and subsequent depression. Financial difficulties and other life stresses may also have a strong impact.