Depression, according to the Mayo Clinic, is known by a variety of terms--clinical depression, major depression and major depressive disorder. There is also depression associated with bipolar disorder, a form of depression that varies slightly from those already mentioned. While the exact cause of depression in any form is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified.
Biological Factors
The Mayo Clinic states that those diagnosed with depression appear to suffer from physical differences in the brain from those who do not suffer from this disorder. The site goes on to state that the significance of these physical differences and the role they play in depression is not yet known.
These physical differences appear to come in the form of neurotransmitters, or chemicals, responsible for the communication between brain cells. The neurotransmitters involved are serotonin and norepinephrine, according to Healthy Place.
It seems that those diagnosed with depression have a decreased amount of serotonin, which explains the the irritability, sleep problems and anxiety associated with this disease. Patients also appear to suffer from a decreased amount of norepinephrine, explaining the symptoms of fatigue and depressed mood.
Genetic Factors
While depression may occur in those with no family history of the disease, it is more frequently seen in people whose family members also suffer from the condition. Although this theory is still being researched by scientists, Healthy Place offers an example from a past study in which adopted children participated. While the children's adoptive parents' condition had no effect on the children, depression was three times more common among adopted children whose biological parents suffered from the disorder.
Previous Diagnosis
Suffering from major depression in the past places you at greater risk for developing it again in the future. All About Depression states that approximately half of those with a history of depression will be diagnosed again during their lifetime.
Trauma and Stress
People who suffer a traumatic event during their childhood, such as losing a parent or suffering through child abuse, may be more susceptible to depression, as these events result in permanent changes in the brain.
Trauma or stress later in life may have the same effect, triggering a depressive episode as an adult. This can include situations such as divorce, loss of a parent or child or financial problems.
Being a Woman
It is estimated by All About Depression that 25 percent of women versus 12 percent of men will be diagnosed with some form of depression in their lifetimes. This can be attributed to a number of factors.
One of the main reasons for these statistics is hormones. Women not only experience frequent changes in their hormone levels, they also experience different events that affect these hormones such as pregnancy, menstrual cycles and menopause.
Another belief is that women are under more stress than men in today's world. Many women work outside of the home while managing the household. In some cases, women are single mothers and have the responsibility of supporting their children while maintaining their home and being both parents simultaneously.
