Biological Factors of Depression
Depression is a psychological disorder that may originate biologically. No single cause of depression has been identified; however genetic, biological, psychological and environmental elements are factors.
Most often, doctors attribute subceptability and predispostion to depression to genetics. Whether genetically generated or not, depression is believed to be connected to changes in levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, specifically: serotonin, dopamine and norepinedrine. Serotonin can effect hunger, sleep and pain and feelings of well-being; dopamine is necessary for movement, learning and addiction; and norepinephrine effects activity, vigor and vigilance. Imbalances in these chemicals can initiate symptoms associated with depression.
Anyone can experience short-term bouts of depression as a result of experiencing long-term adverse situations or drastic changes in usual activities, whether positive or negative. However, diagnosed depression is considered a serious illness which requires evaluation and treatment by a mental healthcare professional. This disorder cannot be snapped out of or gotten over, as sometimes suggested by well-meaning friends and family, unknowingly observing depression and it's effects on the body and mind.
Key factors healthcare professionals look for when diagnosing depression are: reports of two weeks or more of sad or empty feelings accompanied by at least four additional symptoms of depression. Listed are symptoms of the diagnostic criteria developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for depression called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV):
· Irritability
. Negative or suicidal thoughts
· Worthless or guilty feelings
. Low self-esteem
· Little or no interest in usual activities
· Eratic sleep habits
· Fatigue
· Drastic weight change
·Sporatic attentiveness
Even though depression is considered a serious illness, it is treatable and almost all diagnosed and treated experience some level of relief from symptoms.
References
Hansell, J., Bailin, A. P., Franke, K. A., Kraft, J. M., Wu, H. Y., Dolsen, M. R., & ... Kazi, N. F. (2011). Conceptually sound thinking about depression: An Internet survey and its implications. Professional Psychology: Research And Practice,42(5), 382-390. doi:10.1037/a0025608
http://well.wvu.edu/articles/the_biology_of_depression
http://www.pristiq.com/understanding-depression.aspxhttp://well.wvu.edu/articles/the_biology_of_depression
http://www.dsmiv.net/depression.html
Most often, doctors attribute subceptability and predispostion to depression to genetics. Whether genetically generated or not, depression is believed to be connected to changes in levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, specifically: serotonin, dopamine and norepinedrine. Serotonin can effect hunger, sleep and pain and feelings of well-being; dopamine is necessary for movement, learning and addiction; and norepinephrine effects activity, vigor and vigilance. Imbalances in these chemicals can initiate symptoms associated with depression.
Anyone can experience short-term bouts of depression as a result of experiencing long-term adverse situations or drastic changes in usual activities, whether positive or negative. However, diagnosed depression is considered a serious illness which requires evaluation and treatment by a mental healthcare professional. This disorder cannot be snapped out of or gotten over, as sometimes suggested by well-meaning friends and family, unknowingly observing depression and it's effects on the body and mind.
Key factors healthcare professionals look for when diagnosing depression are: reports of two weeks or more of sad or empty feelings accompanied by at least four additional symptoms of depression. Listed are symptoms of the diagnostic criteria developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for depression called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV):
· Irritability
. Negative or suicidal thoughts
· Worthless or guilty feelings
. Low self-esteem
· Little or no interest in usual activities
· Eratic sleep habits
· Fatigue
· Drastic weight change
·Sporatic attentiveness
Even though depression is considered a serious illness, it is treatable and almost all diagnosed and treated experience some level of relief from symptoms.
References
Hansell, J., Bailin, A. P., Franke, K. A., Kraft, J. M., Wu, H. Y., Dolsen, M. R., & ... Kazi, N. F. (2011). Conceptually sound thinking about depression: An Internet survey and its implications. Professional Psychology: Research And Practice,42(5), 382-390. doi:10.1037/a0025608
http://well.wvu.edu/articles/the_biology_of_depression
http://www.pristiq.com/understanding-depression.aspxhttp://well.wvu.edu/articles/the_biology_of_depression
http://www.dsmiv.net/depression.html