Causes

What causes depression?

Research into the causes of depression is ongoing. There are several factors that can increase the risk of a person developing depression. These are both genetic and environmental in nature. However, it is important to realize that many people with risk factors never do develop this illness.

• Family history
• Social factors
• Developmental factors

There are several neurotransmitters found in the brain that are important for maintaining a normal mood. When these chemicals get out of balance or become depleted depression can result. Three neurotransmitters that are often focused on are:

• Norepinephrine
• Serotonin
• And dopamine

Sometimes, although not always, a stressful event might cause a person who is inclined to depression to develop an episode. As time goes on, with frequent episodes of illness, depression may be caused by relatively mild stressors or with no stressor present.