Depression
While everyone feels sad or disappointed at some points during their life, not everyone becomes depressed. Clinical depression is more than a blue mood, it is a psychiatric illness that affects every aspect of a person’s life. In fact, depression can take such a toll on a person’s spirit that many sufferers are unable to keep up at work, socialize with friends, maintain their households, or even venture out of their home.
Depression strikes women more often than men, and it may strike a person several times during a lifetime. Experts believe that approximately 80 percent of the people who have one episode of depression will have a second. After having a second episode, the chances of having a third, and a fourth episode increase to greater than 90 percent. Without treatment, a single episode of depression generally runs its course between six months and one-and-a-half years.
Although the exact cause of depression is-still unknown, researchers believe that certain brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, play an important role. These chemicals, which help transmit electrical signals between brain cells, are believed to regulate moods. Studies have shown that a high percentage of people with depression have reduced levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine-three neurotransmitters. Experts also believe that genetics playa large role in developing the condition.
Mental health experts also see a tendency toward depression in people who lack self-esteem, have adopted submissive or dependent personality traits, or feel a lack of control over their personal surroundings.