Depression
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I hope that, the more we know about it, the more we can be open to talking about it and supporting those around us. While it can certainly be a sensitive topic, it does not need to be shameful.
Like many things, depression is not caused by one particular thing. It is a combination of biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological factors.
Like many things, depression is not caused by one particular thing. It is a combination of biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological factors.
Types of Depression:
Major Depressive Disorder: characterized by episodes of clinical depression that interfere with ability to function (work, sleep, eat). Persistent Depressive Disorder: characterized by a depressed state for more than 2 years (NIMH). Bipolar Disorder: (also known as manic-depressive illness). This is characterized by cycles from extreme high moods (mania) to extreme lows (depression) (NIMH). Seasonal Affect Disorder: characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. (NIMH) |
Biology:
The brain and biology of mood is so complex that it is far from fully understood. While brain chemicals may have an effect, the way our nerve cells function have a major impact on depression (Harvard). For the past couple of decades, research focused on the connection between depression and low levels of serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter (neurotransmitter: chemical that relay messages between neurons) that helps regulate sleep, appetite, mood, and inhibits pain. However, like most things, research has shown that it is more complicated than previously thought. (Carey & Harvard) Some research has found a correlation between the size of the hippocampus in people who experience depression. Stress could be a factor since experts think that stress could suppress the development of nerve cells in the hippocampus. Interestingly enough, antidepressants boost the the concentration of chemical messengers and may be generating new neurons in the hippocampus. (Harvard) Other neurotransmitters that may play a role in depression are: norepinephrine (a stress hormone) and glutamate (the principal excitatory neurotransmitter) (Danbolt), and dopamine (associated with pleasure) (Nemade, Reiss, Dombeck). Treatment:
Just as depression is not caused by one particular factor, there is no one particular treatment. There are many ways to try to treat depression, and often more than one approach is needed. Treatments include medications (antidepressants), psychotherapy, light therapy (for SAD). |
Resources:
Carey, Benedict. “Lifting the Curtain on Depression.” New York Times. 30 August 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-depression-ess.html
Danbolt, Niels Chr. “Glutamate as a Neurotransmitter - An overview.” Prog. Neurobiol 2001: 65, 1-105. http://neurotransporter.org/glutamate.html
Harvard Medical School. What Causes Depression? Boston: Harvard Health Publications, 2000-2014. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/what-causes-depression.htm
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Depression. Bethesda: National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Nemade, Rashmi, Ph. D., Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D., and Mark Dombeck, P.h.D. “Biology of Depression - Neurotransmitters.” Mental Help Net. 19 Sept 2007.
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?&id=12999&cn=5
Carey, Benedict. “Lifting the Curtain on Depression.” New York Times. 30 August 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-depression-ess.html
Danbolt, Niels Chr. “Glutamate as a Neurotransmitter - An overview.” Prog. Neurobiol 2001: 65, 1-105. http://neurotransporter.org/glutamate.html
Harvard Medical School. What Causes Depression? Boston: Harvard Health Publications, 2000-2014. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/what-causes-depression.htm
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Depression. Bethesda: National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Nemade, Rashmi, Ph. D., Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D., and Mark Dombeck, P.h.D. “Biology of Depression - Neurotransmitters.” Mental Help Net. 19 Sept 2007.
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?&id=12999&cn=5
YOU NOT ALONE!
(Angela Hernandez)
Depression Test: This assessment is designed to determine whether you presently have, or are at risk for developing a depressive disorder, along with assessing whether your mindset makes you more prone to depression. Examine the following statements and indicate how well it describes you or how often you feel that way.
TAKE IT NOW! http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/take_test.php?idRegTest=1308