Origin of Major Depression

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is unknown why people get unipolar or major depression. The prevailing theory is that it is caused by the brain being unable to properly process certain chemicals. But why this happens is mostly unknown.

Primary Cause

People with major depression are thought to carry genes that make them more prone to developing symptoms. Depression does tend to run in families.

Secondary Causes

People carrying the genes develop symptoms after being exposed to events such as illness, trauma, job loss or grief. But some people can develop depression for seemingly no reason.

Time Frame

It is normal to show depression symptoms after a difficult life circumstance. But, according to The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness, it is not normal for symptoms to last more than two months.

Gender

The National Alliance for Mental Illness notes that for unknown reasons, women develop major depression twice as often as men.

Warning

Antidepressants can work unpredictably in some patients, causing their symptoms to drastically worsen. They may need to try several medications to find the right one.

References

• The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness; Bodie Morey and Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D.; 2007
• Mayo Clinic: Major Depression: Causes
• Chronic Form of Depression Runs In Families, Study Finds

Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Twin Study Finds Genetic Link Between Major Depression and Heart Disease Risk
• NAMI: Major Depression

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Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt