Symptoms Of Depression In Children, Depression Article
Q: What Causes Depression?
Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological
vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar
disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop
bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different
genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not
true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to
bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors,
possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.
In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after
generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history
of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often
associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.
A:People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the
world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to
depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an
early form of the illness is not clear.
In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body
can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as
stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders
can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling
to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period.
Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any
stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a
depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and
environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.
Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated by only mild stresses,
or none at all.
Depression in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men.1 Many hormonal
factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in
women-particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy,
miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women
also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and
home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.
A recent NIMH study showed that in the case of severe premenstrual syndrome
(PMS), women with a preexisting vulnerability to PMS experienced relief from
mood and physical symptoms when their sex hormones were suppressed. Shortly
after the hormones were re-introduced, they again developed symptoms of PMS.
Women without a history of PMS reported no effects of the hormonal
manipulation.6,7
Many women are also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby. The
hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new
life, can be factors that lead to postpartum depression in some women. While
transient "blues" are common in new mothers, a full-blown depressive episode
is not a normal occurrence and requires active intervention. Treatment by a
sympathetic physician and the family's emotional support for the new mother
are prime considerations in aiding her to recover her physical and mental
well-being and her ability to care for and enjoy the infant.
I've read many over the years on
Depression, and this is one of the best. I particularly was encouraged by
the information given for depression in children, since 2 of our 3 children
suffered/suffer from and are being