What causes depression?

Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

Updated on September 06, 2024

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

54sec

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Can someone with mild depression go to work?

Patients with mild depression can go to work. Those with mild depression may exhibit lighter symptoms such as mood decline, fatigue, and decreased interest. Often, patients may have difficulty sleeping; however, their social functions or most other functions are generally unaffected, with only minor impacts on their work and social activities. If patients are functionally capable of handling their jobs, depressive symptoms can be improved through behavioral training. Therefore, in clinical practice, patients with mild depression are encouraged to continue working, which further activates their energy and motivation, enhancing their positivity and initiative, and improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy can also achieve good therapeutic effects for patients with mild depression. Systematic and standard treatments should be continued to ultimately reach clinical recovery.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

1min 4sec

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Treatment of Depression

The treatment of depression in clinical settings primarily utilizes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and physical therapy. Pharmacotherapy, as the first-line treatment for depression, mainly relies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine, and duloxetine. Adequate dosages and treatment duration with a systematic approach are essential when using pharmacotherapy. Secondly, psychotherapy. The main psychotherapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and interpersonal therapy, which aim to improve the patient's irrational cognitions and rebuild their cognitive framework. Thirdly, physical therapy. In clinical practice, physical therapy mainly encompasses electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, both of which can yield significant therapeutic outcomes. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

58sec

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How is depression diagnosed?

The diagnosis of depression in clinical settings involves four aspects: First, the collection of medical history, which includes understanding the onset, progression, treatment, and outcome of the illness, as well as past treatment experiences, etc. Second, psychiatric assessment, involving examinations with the patient concerning their sensations, perceptions, consciousness, thinking, emotions, intelligence, memory, self-control, willpower, and other aspects. Third, the use of scales to measure depression, which includes self-rating scales or observer-rating scales for depression to assess the severity of the patient's condition. Fourth, through related auxiliary examinations, excluding physical illnesses that may cause symptoms of depression. Ultimately, the diagnosis of depression is determined by integrating information from these four areas.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

1min 5sec

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Can postpartum depression breastfeed?

When postpartum depression occurs, it is possible to continue breastfeeding. If the depression is mild and no medication is taken, continuing breastfeeding will not affect the baby's growth and development. However, depression often leads to low spirits, frequent crying, and a reluctance to care for the child, which can affect milk secretion and lead to a reduction in milk supply that may not meet the baby's growth needs. In such cases, it may be necessary to add supplementary food or formula. If postpartum depression is severe and involves medication, these medications may enter the baby's body through the breast milk, which can affect the baby's health. Therefore, if postpartum depression occurs and medication is taken, breastfeeding should be stopped. (Note: The answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and blind medication should be avoided.)

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

38sec

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Where to seek treatment for postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a type of mental illness in puerperal women, so it is best for such women to see a psychiatrist, as psychological treatment for depression is very important. The key is to enhance the patient's self-confidence and raise their self-esteem. Additionally, it can provide individualized psychological counseling based on the patient’s personality traits, psychological state, and the causes of the condition, and it can eliminate the psychological factors causing the illness. Common clinical treatments include medication and psychological counseling.