Exogenous depression is brought about by traumatic life events. Often referred to as reactive or situational depression, it differs in origin from what is known as endogenous depression, which is likely precipitated by a genetic or physiological predisposition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of exogenous depression are similar to symptoms of endogenous depression. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies sad mood, hopelessness, low sense of self worth, irritability, sleep disturbance and low energy level as the most salient features of depression. Because exogenous depression involves an identifiable stressor, symptoms such as crying jags may be more acute than in a chronic, enduring endogenous depression.
Causes
The causes of exogenous depression likely involve a combination of difficult life events and biochemical predisposition. Although this type of depression is triggered by stressful life events, the degree to which the individual reacts is determined by multiple factors such as individual physiology, whether there has been a previous episode of depression and whether the person has a strong support system. Common stressors include financial crises, marital discord and loss of a loved one.
Treatment
Effective treatment for exogenous depression often involves a combination of antidepressant medication and talk therapy. Agonist.org says historically, determining depression treatment was heavily based on whether it was exogenous or endogenous in nature. It is now widely recognized that the symptoms of depression, regardless of origin, tend to respond to a combination of psychotherapeutic modalities and medication.
