Depression: emergence, prevention and risk factors
Today, depression is seen as a disease or complex of symptoms caused by multiple causes. Psychological, neurobiological and social factors play a role in the development of the disease. Together they can appear very complex.
What scientific models are there to explain depression?
According to the so-called models of stress vulnerability, depressive disorders arise against the background of the so-called sensitivity of the given person, for example in connection with family burden or certain personality traits. When the burden (e.g. stress, violence, job loss) interacts with other factors (e.g. disorders of brain metabolism , psychological processes such as grief) and possibly other illnesses or lack of social support, depression may develop in vulnerable individuals .
A neurobiological perspective
If a person suffers from depression, there may be changes in metabolism in the brain – there is an imbalance of the transmitters ( neurotransmitters ) serotonin , noradrenaline and/or dopamine . In depressive illnesses , which are alternately associated with a morbidly good mood (mania), other changes occur in brain metabolism. Hormonal disorders (e.g. thyroid disease or altered cortisol levels ) can also contribute to depression .
Depression is demonstrably associated with a change in function and structure in several areas of the brain (mainly in the so-called limbic system ). These changes in the brain may also show interactions with other organ systems . In addition, inflammatory processes may arise in the brain as a result of psychosocial or physical stressors. Psychological and biological factors work together, for example through hormonal pathways. In addition, a disturbed circadian rhythm or a change in the structure of sleep (e.g. its depth) may increase the risk of depression.
Psychological theories
There are other theories, among others from the field of psychology, that have dealt with the causes of depression. Factors that can contribute to the development of depression are considered to be, for example, trauma , violence, fear of loss or a negative perception of oneself / one’s personality traits (e.g. low self-confidence). It can be patterns of behavior and response to relationships or the dominance of negative thought patterns and feelings of helplessness when it comes to managing one’s feelings.
Sociological models
These models examine a demonstrable relationship to society. Thus, depression should also be perceived as a phenomenon of a certain time or culture. A modern way of life including a complex personal and professional world or being overwhelmed by electronic media can possibly contribute to depressive moods.
What are the risk factors?
Risk factors for depression include in particular:
- depressive or bipolar illness in the family,
- previous depressive episodes ,
- suicide attempts in the anamnesis , or in the family anamnesis,
- physical illness (e.g. “organic depression” caused by brain disease/damage, insufficient thyroid function, malignant tumor , stroke , etc.),
- chronic anxiety disorders in childhood and youth,
- addiction ,
- challenging life circumstances (e.g. loss of a loved one, loss of job, chronic stress – for example at the workplace),
- Sleep Disorders ,
- missing or insufficient social support,
- discrimination (e.g. based on gender or sexual orientation),
- loneliness,
- lack of light (so-called winter depression can be the result ).
In addition, connections between depression and social and economic factors are evident. People with lower education, lower incomes or long-term unemployed suffer from depressive illness more often.
A number of factors (e.g. social role, stress management) play a role in gender differences. You can find more detailed information on this topic in the article Depression: how does it manifest itself in women and in men?
How to prevent depression?
In general, it is not possible to reliably prevent depression, as too many factors play a role in this disease. However, a person has protective mechanisms at his disposal that can help prevent him from falling to the bottom of his mind. One of them is the so-called resilience : it is the degree of resistance to negative influences without the person developing mental problems. Resilience thus explains why someone can survive a severe crisis without collapsing.
Protective factors include, among others, a stable circle of friends, material security, self-confidence and humor. Having a balanced mental life, being able to ask for help, being part of a social network, being generally healthy – all of these can have a preventive effect to some extent . A healthy lifestyle also has a preventive function: healthy diet and exercise , enough sleep, avoiding smoking and unhealthy alcohol consumption .
