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Psychological Causes of Depression

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Psychological Causes of Depression
Psychological Causes of Depression

The actual causes of depression are still unknown today but there are a few theories that could help explain them. It is widely believed by psychologists and scientists that all mental disorders are brought about by a complex correlation of psychological, biological, and social factors. A serious loss, chronic illness, relationship problem, work stress, family crisis, financial setback, or any unwelcome life change can ignite a depressive disorder (Psychologyinfo.com). Depression is a serious disorder in the United States and has only become more prevalent among individuals as their lives become more stressful and overwhelming. One theory for the cause of depression is the bio-psycho-social model of causation and is the most commonly recognized theory for the cause of disorders such as depression by professionals. As stated earlier, it consists of a complicated correlation of psychological, biological, and social factors. This can be caused by fluctuated levels of hormones, which would explain why many people first experience depression during puberty. (Grohol, 2006). The exact causes of depression are vast and unknown.

Some types of depression have been found in families from generation to generation, which may possibly suggest that it can be inherited (Grohol, 2006). With that said, major depression seems to be present generation after generation, in some families, but not with a frequency that suggests clear biological causes. Furthermore, it also occurs in people who have no family history of depression (Psychologyinfo.com). This is also found in people with bipolar disorder. A study on family members that belong to particular families of each generation that develop bipolar disorders, has found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not have the disorder. Nonetheless, not everybody with the genetic makeup that is subjective to bipolar disorder will contract the


References: "Cause of Depression: different causes of depression." Depression Treatment, Medication, Help, Symptoms: Anxiety Attacks Depression Test, Types, ADHD Causes. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. . "Causes of depression." Psychology Information Online. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. . Grohol, John M. "The Causes of Depression | Psych Central." Psych Central - Trusted information in mental health and psychology. 6 Dec. 2006. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. .
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