Causes of Major Depression

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By Yvette Marie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Major depression is a mood disorder in which people experience chronic, uncontrollable sadness. It can affect people of any age, race or gender, although it typically strikes people between the ages of 25 and 44 and occurs twice as often in women as in men. Symptoms of major depression include persistent sadness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, isolation, lack of interest, physical pain, and thoughts of death and suicide. There is no single cause of major depression. It occurs when a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors come together in a most malevolent way.

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Stress

According to HealthyPlace.com, stress has been shown to play a major role in a patient's first two bouts with major depression but not in later episodes. Temperament, genetics and biology appear to figure more prominently into major depressive episodes.

Chemical Imbalance

Major depression is closely linked to abnormal levels of the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine--neurotransmitters that play roles in how you experience emotions.

Genetics

If one or both of your parents have major depression, your risk of developing it is increased. If you're genetically predisposed to major depression, it can manifest on its own or can be triggered by a stressful life event.

Life Events

Major depression has a higher rate of occurrence in people who have a traumatic history. Sexual or physical abuse, substance abuse, loss of a loved one, physical injury or disability, or an unstable home environment can all contribute to the development of major depression.

Intrapsychic Factors

Self-perception and temperament could predispose you to major depression. Pessimism, bad temper, low self-esteem, paranoia, feelings of failure, feelings of helplessness and negative views of yourself are characteristics associated with major depression.