Clinical depression comes in many forms, according to University Health Services (UHS) Tang Center in Berkeley, CA. These include major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. The site further explains clinical depression affects a person's ability to function normally for a period of two weeks or more. No specific cause has been discovered, but a variety of factors exist that may increase a person's chances of being diagnosed with this mental illness.
Biological Changes
It appears that those diagnosed with depression suffer from physical changes in their brains. The Mayo Clinic goes on to state that the significance of these changes is still not certain.
The UHS Tang Center expands on this theory, explaining that depression may be linked to the chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The site states that because antidepressants appear useful in treating this illness, brain chemistry may be involved. Antidepressants help restore balance to chemicals in the brain. These chemical imbalances suggest depression is a medical illness, according to the UHS Tang Center.
Genetics
In some cases, clinical depression may be inherited, as it is more common in those whose biological family members are diagnosed with the same condition. The UHS Tang Center explains that genetics appear to play a greater role in families whose biological members suffer from bipolar disorder and is less common in those who are diagnosed with major depression.
The site continues to state that not everyone in a family with members who suffer from depression will be diagnosed, just as depression may occur in those with no family history.
Stress
Stress itself can be a trigger, or factor, of depression for some. The specific events will vary according to person, as everyone experiences different events in their lives, coping in various ways.
Some common triggers include life events, such as the death of loved one, financial difficulties or problems with a relationship. These stressors can affect anyone, even if there is no prior family history of depression.
Students, whether they be in college or high school, may also fall prey to this illness, as they face new challenges and psychological stress everyday. These include the academic demands placed upon them, preparation for life outside of school, choosing a career and feeling isolated socially as they face the academic pressure placed on them.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Alcohol and drug use can either be the cause or the result of depression. In some cases, people suffering from depression use alcohol or drugs as a way of escaping the symptoms depression causes.
On the other side of the spectrum, some begin using drugs and alcohol first. When withdrawal symptoms, legal or personal problems arise from the the drug use, depression sets in, according to the UHS Tang Center.
