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DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS CAUSES |
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The causes behind depression are complex
and not yet fully understood. While an imbalance of certain
neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain that transmit messages
between nerve cells, is believed to be key to depression, external
factors such as upbringing (more so in dysthymia than major
depression) may be as important. For example, it is speculated that,
if an individual is abused and neglected throughout childhood and
adolescence, a pattern of low self-esteem and negative thinking may
emerge, and from that, a lifelong pattern of depression may follow. Heredity does seem to play a role in who develops depressive disorders. Individuals with major depression in their immediate family are up to three times more likely to have the disorder themselves. It would seem that biological and genetic factors may make certain individuals pre-disposed or prone to depressive disorders, but environmental circumstances may often trigger the disorder. External stressors and significant life changes, such as chronic medical problems, death of a loved one, divorce or estrangement, miscarriage, or loss of a job can also result in a form of depression known as adjustment disorder. Although periods of adjustment disorder usually resolve themselves, occasionally they may evolve into a major depressive disorder. Major depressive episode Individuals experiencing a major depressive episode have a depressed mood and/or a diminished interest or pleasure in activities. Children experiencing a major depressive episode may appear or feel irritable rather than depressed. In addition, five or more of the following symptoms will occur on an almost daily basis for a period of at least two weeks: Significant change in weight. Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep). Psychomotor agitation or retardation. Fatigue or loss of energy. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. Diminished ability to think or to concentrate, or indecisiveness. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal and/or suicide attempts. Dysthymic disorder Dysthymia commonly occurs in tandem with other psychiatric and physical conditions. Up to 70% of dysthymic patients have both dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, known as double depression. Substance abuse, panic disorders, personality disorders, social phobias, and other psychiatric conditions are also found in many dysthymic patients. Dysthymia is prevalent in patients with certain medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, AIDS, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and post-cardiac transplantation. The connection between dysthymic disorder and these medical conditions is unclear, but it may be related to the way the medical condition and/or its pharmacological treatment affects neurotransmitters. Dysthymic disorder can lengthen or complicate the recovery of patients also suffering from medical conditions. Along with an underlying feeling of depression, people with dysthymic disorder experience two or more of the following symptoms on an almost daily basis for a period for two or more years (most suffer for five years), or one year or more for children: Under or overeating Insomnia or hypersomnia Low energy or fatigue Low self-esteem Poor concentration or trouble making decisions Feelings of hopelessness. |
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| DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS RELATED ITEMS | ||
