Biological Factors of Depression
Depression is a disorder that may have biological, genetic, psychological and/or environmental elements as factors. No single cause of depression has been identified however; most often, doctors attribute susceptibility and predisposition to depression to genetics. A history of depression in a family places an individual at higher risk for developing a depressive disorder (The Biology of Depression, 2012).
According to Scientific American, new insights into the genetics of depression have been indicated in recent studies published in Nature Medicine. One study concluded that a specific gene called MPK-1 was found unregulated in the brains of those with major depression. Researchers confirmed that a high level of MPK-1 was associated with depression and that antidepressants were effective in regulation. When MPK-1 remained unregulated, it affected growth of neurons in the brain, which may contribute to depressive symptoms. These findings can lead to tailor-made drugs optimized by an individual's genetics, therefore rendering a more specific treatment (Dushlaine, 2010).
Scientist' have possibly discovered the first solid evidence that variations in some individual's genes may cause depression, as published by Huffpost Healthy Living. A British team of researchers, had findings of a DNA region linked to depression which was repeated by other teams of researchers. These findings were considered rare due to both teams came to the same conclusion in different studies. Studies of families with a history of depression have suggested that depression has a genetic link. Further detailed gene sequencing studies are being conducted on families who participated in prior studies to find specific gene variations to show a genetic link to depression (Reuters, 2011).
According to Scientific American, new insights into the genetics of depression have been indicated in recent studies published in Nature Medicine. One study concluded that a specific gene called MPK-1 was found unregulated in the brains of those with major depression. Researchers confirmed that a high level of MPK-1 was associated with depression and that antidepressants were effective in regulation. When MPK-1 remained unregulated, it affected growth of neurons in the brain, which may contribute to depressive symptoms. These findings can lead to tailor-made drugs optimized by an individual's genetics, therefore rendering a more specific treatment (Dushlaine, 2010).
Scientist' have possibly discovered the first solid evidence that variations in some individual's genes may cause depression, as published by Huffpost Healthy Living. A British team of researchers, had findings of a DNA region linked to depression which was repeated by other teams of researchers. These findings were considered rare due to both teams came to the same conclusion in different studies. Studies of families with a history of depression have suggested that depression has a genetic link. Further detailed gene sequencing studies are being conducted on families who participated in prior studies to find specific gene variations to show a genetic link to depression (Reuters, 2011).
If genetically caused, depression is believed to be connected to changes in levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, specifically: serotonin, dopamine and norepinedrine. Serotonin can affect hunger, sleep, pain and feelings of well-being; dopamine is necessary for movement, learning and addiction; and norepinephrine effects activity, vigor and vigilance. Imbalances in these chemicals can initiate symptoms associated with depression causing changes in cognitive thought, body functions, memory, appetite, and the ability to feel positive or pleasure (The Biology of Depression, 2012).
Anyone can experience short-term bouts of depression as a result of experiencing long-term adverse situations or drastic changes in usual activities, whether positive or negative. However, diagnosed depression is considered a serious illness which requires evaluation and treatment by healthcare professionals. This disorder cannot be snapped out of or gotten over, as sometimes suggested by well-meaning friends and family, unknowingly observing depression and its effects on the body and mind (The Biology of Depression, 2012).
Key factors healthcare professionals look for when diagnosing depression are: reports of two weeks or more of sad or empty feelings accompanied by at least four additional symptoms of depression. Listed are symptoms of the diagnostic criteria developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for depression called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV):
. Negative or suicidal thoughts . Irritability · Worthless or guilty feelings
· Little or no interest in usual activities · Erratic sleep habits · Fatigue
. Low self-esteem · Drastic weight change · Sporadic attentiveness
Even though depression is considered a serious illness, it is treatable. Almost all individuals diagnosed and treated experience some level of relief from symptoms. The most accurate diagnosis should be preceded by an examination by a doctor to rule out other disorders or medications that may cause depression-like symptoms; followed by an assessment by a mental health professional to consider family history, symptoms, length and severity of symptoms and how daily function is affected. Treatment is then prescribed which may include: counseling, medication, psychotherapy, physical therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and changes in diet and exercise. A combination of psychotherapy and medication have been found to be the most successful form of treatment for young and middle adults (NIMH, 2011).
Anyone can experience short-term bouts of depression as a result of experiencing long-term adverse situations or drastic changes in usual activities, whether positive or negative. However, diagnosed depression is considered a serious illness which requires evaluation and treatment by healthcare professionals. This disorder cannot be snapped out of or gotten over, as sometimes suggested by well-meaning friends and family, unknowingly observing depression and its effects on the body and mind (The Biology of Depression, 2012).
Key factors healthcare professionals look for when diagnosing depression are: reports of two weeks or more of sad or empty feelings accompanied by at least four additional symptoms of depression. Listed are symptoms of the diagnostic criteria developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for depression called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV):
. Negative or suicidal thoughts . Irritability · Worthless or guilty feelings
· Little or no interest in usual activities · Erratic sleep habits · Fatigue
. Low self-esteem · Drastic weight change · Sporadic attentiveness
Even though depression is considered a serious illness, it is treatable. Almost all individuals diagnosed and treated experience some level of relief from symptoms. The most accurate diagnosis should be preceded by an examination by a doctor to rule out other disorders or medications that may cause depression-like symptoms; followed by an assessment by a mental health professional to consider family history, symptoms, length and severity of symptoms and how daily function is affected. Treatment is then prescribed which may include: counseling, medication, psychotherapy, physical therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and changes in diet and exercise. A combination of psychotherapy and medication have been found to be the most successful form of treatment for young and middle adults (NIMH, 2011).