According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 300 million people globally suffer from depression. In the following, we will take a look at its possible causes and symptoms.
Risk factors (increase the chance of developing or leading to the onset of depression) :
Biological Causes: research shows that less active frontal lobe is related to depression. There are also scholars claiming that brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) and hormones changes (such as due to pregnancy and menopause) in the human body may cause depression
Family History: inherited genes can contribute to developing depression. Therefore, a history of family members suffering from depression or other mood disorders may increase the chance of developing depression.
Traumatic events or stress: traumas and stressful events such as the loss of a loved one, sexual abuse, childhood abuse may induce the onset of depression in later stages of life
Alcohol and drugs: certain drug use such as sleeping pills and alcohol abuse may increase the risk of developing depression
…etc.
Diagnosis and symptoms:
* the type of symptoms and its severity may vary for different people and also over time
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) published by the American Psychiatric Association,
Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis requires the presence of at least five of the following symptoms in the same 2-week period:
Depressed mood
Sleep disturbance
Diminished interest or pleasure
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Diminished ability to think or concentrate
Fatigue or loss of energy
Changes in weight or appetite
Suicidal ideation or attempt
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Know more about this topic:
You can also take the DASS21 test in our blog to know more about your mental state.
The DASS21 is a 21-item self report instrument designed to measure the three related negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and tension/stress.
Symptoms in children, teens and older adults
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Symptoms in men and women
Source:
https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression#treatment
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145396
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
