What causes depression?  There is no single known cause of depression.  Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain.  Brain imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression.  The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally.  In addition, important neurotransmitters – chemicals that brain cells use to communicate – appear to be out of balance.

Depression also often co-exists with other serious medical illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/aids, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.  Studies have shown that people who have depression in addition to another serious medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both depression and the medical illness, more difficulty adapting to their medical condition, and more medical costs than those who do not have co-existing depression.  Research has yielded increasing evidence that treating the depression can also help improve the outcome of treating the co-occurring illness.

Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link.  However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression as well.  Genetics research indicates that risk for depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors.

In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression please seek help.

Dr. Steven Chen has over 20 years of experience helping people with depression and co-existing issues.  He is located in Salt Lake County with offices in Salt Lake City and Draper, Utah.