Causes of Depression

Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The causes of depression are often unclear and may be closely related to multiple factors such as biological, social, and psychological aspects. From a biological perspective, genetics is a primary factor, especially as indicated by family studies, which have found genetics to play a significant role. Genetic factors typically involve multiple gene loci. Furthermore, neurochemical factors like serotonin and norepinephrine are notably related. Beyond biological factors, psychological elements, particularly in individuals with certain depressive traits or personality characteristics, significantly increase the incidence of developing the condition. Social environmental factors are primarily associated with adverse major life events. After experiencing acute life events, individuals may become susceptible to depressive episodes. Hence, it is observed that depression in patients results from multifactorial influences rather than a single factor, culminating from a complex interplay of these elements.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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What causes depression?

The causes of depression are not yet clear, and it may be closely related to multiple factors such as biological, psychological, and social factors. Firstly, from a biological perspective, depression may involve genetics, biochemical factors, and endocrine factors, especially closely related to the secretion of serotonin and norepinephrine. Secondly, psychological factors. The psychological characteristics and personality traits of patients, especially before the onset of depression, are closely related. Particularly, individuals with a depressive disposition are often more likely to develop depression. Thirdly, social environmental factors. Particularly, encountering major negative life events is often an important contributing factor to clinical depressive episodes. Therefore, the onset of depression is not caused by a single factor, but likely the result of multifactorial interactions, ultimately leading to the disease onset.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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What is the depressive mood of depression like?

Patients with depression primarily exhibit symptoms of low mood. They often experience persistent sadness and pessimism. Patients might find it difficult to feel happy, appear gloomy, and are unable to experience joy, particularly in activities that they used to find interesting. In severe cases, they might feel hopeless, in despair, and have thoughts of death, leading to an overwhelming sense that each day is unbearably long. Furthermore, patients might feel that life isn't worth living and that their existence has no meaning, which can lead to thoughts or actions of suicide or self-harm. In this emotional state, their self-evaluation is also typically low; they might feel utterly worthless, viewing themselves as a burden on their family and a parasite in society. Thus, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, despair, and self-blame are significantly more pronounced.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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How to explain mild depression

During the guidance process for patients with mild depression, cognitive behavioral therapy can be used. Cognitively speaking, the patient's low mood is caused by negative cognitions about themselves, the world, and the future, which we call the cognitive triad. They feel incompetent, worthless, and disliked in regards to themselves. They perceive the world as incapable or negative. Regarding the future, they feel unable to succeed and see themselves as failures, among other expressions. Therefore, the patient exhibits irrational and distorted cognitions. By observing these irrational cognitive patterns, we guide the patient to look for evidence, seek alternative explanations, make predictions, judgments, and responses, and resolve internal conflicts of thoughts through reality check methods, ultimately alleviating low moods. Additionally, behavioral methods, such as organizing a good life schedule and engaging in interesting activities, can also be used to enhance the patient's sense of pleasure and control, thereby improving their mood and ultimately achieving therapeutic effects.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Will postpartum depression get better?

Postpartum depression can also be recovered to a normal state, usually taking about one to two years. Women are prone to depression after childbirth due to high stress or emotional stimulation. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on relaxing and avoiding excessive tension or stress when experiencing postpartum depression. Additionally, the support and companionship of family members and husbands are necessary to help improve the condition of postpartum depression. It is also important for the new mother to feel secure, to rest adequately, and to enhance nutrition in the diet, including consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins. It is essential to avoid staying up late and to prevent any stimulation, especially in patients who generally have lower psychological resilience.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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Is depression considered a mental illness?

Depression is clinically classified as a mental illness, specifically a type of mood disorder. Its main clinical manifestations include low mood, slow thought processes, reduced volitional activity, fatigue, lack of interest, lack of pleasure, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, changes in weight, changes in sexual desire, and low self-esteem. Patients often feel fatigued and dissatisfied throughout the day, and their attention may decline. They may experience feelings of guilt, worthlessness, futility, and despair. It is not uncommon for patients to have thoughts or behaviors of self-harm or suicide. Thus, depression is a mental disorder that requires systematic antidepressant treatment once diagnosed. Effective treatment outcomes can often be achieved through a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and physiotherapy.