Depression is a common psychological condition with significant potential morbidity and mortality. Suicidal tendencies, medical illness, loss of interpersonal relationships, lost work time and substance abuse could be associated with potential causes of depression.
Depressed individuals experience avoidance, escape or withdrawal responses impairing their ability to appreciate or embrace occurrences which bring happiness or pleasure. Thus, these cognitive deficits contribute to frustration, aggression, sadness, anger, agitation and reduced happiness.
Though the pathophysiology of depression has not been well understood, biological, social and psychological factors have a definite causal role to play in its clinical manifestation. Some of these potential causes have been discussed below:
Dysfunction of specific neurotransmitters, as well as an imbalance in their control of behavior and cognition, are associated with symptoms of depression. Reduced activity of the feel-good chemical, serotonin in depression probably contributes to anxiety, obsession, and compulsion while an increased activity contributes to fatigue. Reduced noradrenaline neurotransmission, responsible for the fight or flight responses of the body to stressful conditions, results in decreased alertness, low energy, inattention and impaired cognitive abilities and dysfunctional Dopamine activity is implicated in problems of motivation, pleasure and reward prediction. Hence, impaired neurotransmitter functions accentuate the core symptoms of depression.
It is often believed that a family history of psychological clinical conditions such as depression may increase the risk of developing the disease in the next generation. Depression being a complex disorder with various related symptoms, however, cannot be characterized by a single gene or hereditary unit to identify the possibilities of its clinical manifestation from one generation to another.
In certain long-term illnesses in which it is difficult to determine a complete cure, chronic medical conditions can be associated with feelings of depression and anxiety. These diseases primarily include hypothyroidism, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis. Often some of the symptoms of depression could be attributed to the side effects of drugs or medications taken on a regular basis for coexisting clinical condition or due to reactions of the medicines taken interfering with the functions of the system. Being subjected to chronic pain over a long term could also lead one to feel completely distressed, and affect one’s mood adversely.
Personal issues
The intense despair associated with unemployment or the bereavement and grief due to the death or loss of a loved one, financial concerns, and excessive work stress are some of the major contributing factors for the incidence of depression. Among other factors accentuating the symptoms of depression is being subjected to physical or sexual abuse, social isolation from family, friends or the society, bullying or experiencing personal conflicts with friends or family.
Alcoholism and drug abuse are some of the core factors which exacerbate the symptoms of depression. Though for a victim of depression, it may seem impossible to recover from the feeling of intense emotional and mental turmoil this is not an incurable disease.
Therefore, seeking a treatment for depression not only by taking medications but incorporating lifestyle changes, exercising, eating a balanced diet and maintaining social relations may help overcome the disease which is capable of making one feel miserable about their own lives. Some of these strategies have been discussed below:
Since the treatment of depression depends completely on the severity of the symptoms and the changes it is capable of evoking in our biological systems, it is important to be aware of the causes and possible effects it has on one’s health. A proper clinical check-up by a general physician will help understand the parameters causing depression in the patient and accordingly the strategies for treatment would be implemented.
In case, the doctor and the patient either or both feel that a cure cannot be achieved in spite of the prescribed precautions or medications, they could seek the support of a therapist to talk or discuss their problems. In case, a solution to overcome the symptoms of depression has still not been achieved, mental health professionals specialized in the field should be further consulted to seek a direction to the treatment.
Supported by scientific evidence it has been observed that exercises increase the production of feel-good chemicals in the body helping us counter the problems of depression by strengthening neural associations. Having a well-balanced meal with preference to complex carbohydrate sources can also be good for mental and physical health. A satisfactory amount of sleep will help uplift mood and fatigue which could result as a consequence of depression. Establishing social connections through networking, keeping in touch with family and friends or volunteering in support of social causes can also prove to be helpful in fighting depression. By keeping away from excess workload and causes of unnecessary social stress, symptoms of depression can be combated.
Antidepressants targeting neurotransmitter systems can help release the anxiety in close relation with depression. However, these medicines can be taken only as prescribed by the doctor and in appropriate doses as will be required. No self-prescribed medications should be taken.
If the cause of depression is a nutritional deficiency, then incorporating nutritional and vitamin supplements in the diet can help treat depression effectively. Techniques of mental relaxation such as yoga and acupuncture ensure the well-being of depressed individuals.
In spite of the set symptomatic criteria, depression cannot be considered as a single disease but a heterogeneous syndrome comprising of numerous diseases with distinct causes and pathophysiologies. To unfold more relevant information on the etiology of depression, it is necessary to undertake scientific research in neurocognitive disorders which are merely considered to be mental disorders.
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