Friday 22 January 2010

Depression Is More Common Among Women Than Among Men.

By Pedro Toledo

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and despite 50 years of extensive research and tremendous enhancements in technology; WHO states that there is no single cause or explanation of depression. Rather it is suggested that a combination of biological (genetic and biochemical), sociological (stressors) and psychological (development and life experiences) factors interact to cause depression. This definition reflects what the vast majority of mental health and well being organisations from around the globe propose. However, WHO employs a biopsychosocial model to provide a picture of depression.

Genetic factors: According to WHO, it has been consistently observed that depression tends to run in families. For the uninitiated, genes are like computer chips within our body that hardwire or pre-program us towards certain physical or physiological predispositions. The BlackDog Institute (Australia) suggests that "the genetic risk of developing depression is about 40%, with the remaining 60% being due to factors in the individual's own environment". For example, in 2003, a New Zealand study suggested a certain gene - responsible for the transportation of serotonin - in conjunction with a serious life stressor was responsible for depression (Caspi A et. al. Science 301: 386-389). At the time, this was heralded as a significant breakthrough in the understanding and treatment depression.

However, according to a recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, "a gene variation that has long been thought to increase the risk of depression in combination with stressful life events may have no effect after all" (Serotonin Gene, Even Combined With Life Events, Has No Effect On Depression; June 17, 2009). The search for a single gene or a combination of genes in the cause of depression continues. Biological Factors: An imbalance in biochemicals within the brain, known as neurotransmitters, "may produce" depression. However, according to WHO, "the assumption that depression is the direct result of a biochemical imbalance may be an oversimplification". There is much conjecture and debate as to whether a biochemical imbalance is the cause of depression or this imbalance is a result of the depression itself - a classic chicken and the egg scenario.

However, if you are a person who usually pays attention to the current health events, then you will definitely come across the symptoms and cures of depression and then you will understand that what you have is a health problem which can be cured. This is the first and most important step to be taken when it comes to depression or any kind of disease.

Surrounding ones self with positive things and keeping an optimistic attitude at all times is also another practical way to overcome depression. The principle behind this technique is to attract all positive things and thoughts. Getting rid of the pessimism and letting the positive energy in can have an enormous effect on the way one sees things.

Worryingly, the pre-school age group (0-5 years) has been one of the fastest growing markets for antidepressants in recent years (Psychiatric Services, April 2004). Of interest, if depression was purely and simply due to a biochemical imbalance; why is psychotherapy or talk therapy just as effective in the treatment of depression? This fact alone calls into question the oversimplification that depression is due to a biochemical imbalance or genetic factors. How can talking about something overcome a medical illness or disease due to a biochemical imbalance, as so often and strongly advocated by the health authorities and pharmaceutical companies? Psychological Factors: According to WHO, "how and what a person thinks may determine the onset of depression. If people have distorted thinking by which they view everything around them including themselves and their future as negatively and pessimistically, then their mood also becomes sad, completing the picture of depression".

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