Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects 5% of the adult population worldwide. But there is still so much we don’t know about exactly what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to effectively treat the millions of people for whom current medications don’t work.
For many years, chemical imbalances in the brain were thought to be the main cause of depression. Although chemical imbalances do often play a role in depression, they’re only part of the picture. Research shows that only 46% of patients achieve remission of their symptoms of depression when treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication for balancing brain chemicals. Not only is that less than half, but the number is also boosted by combining the medication with therapy, making it evident that chemical imbalances are only a piece of the whole.
Biology and depression
When we take a step back and look at the bigger picture of the role of biology in depression, we see the potential involvement of a range of different bodily systems. Depression has been associated with:
- Chemical imbalances – Low levels of certain key neurotransmitters can cause symptoms of depression
- Slow brain waves – Slower brain waves in certain parts of the brain often result in feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, and other depressive symptoms
- Hormonal imbalance – Symptoms of depression are sometimes associated with certain hormone imbalances resulting from stress, diet, aging, or other reasons
- Chronic inflammation – Depression has been associated with increased inflammatory activation of the immune system
- Gut health – Certain healthy gut microbes transform into short-chain fatty acids associated with the production of serotonin
- Nutrition – Poor diet can affect brain chemicals, hormone levels, inflammation, and other bodily systems associated with depression.
- Genetics – If a family member suffers from depression, there is a higher likelihood for developing it, but no single “depression gene” has been identified.
The body is a complex network of systems (including the brain, with its own complex network) all working together. A disruption in one system can lead to disruption in one or more systems elsewhere in the body. When it comes to depression and other mental illnesses, the exact cause is different from person to person. And what makes preventing and treating it even more complex is that biology is just a part of the equation.
Other risk factors associated with depression
The mind-body connection is undeniable, especially when we consider the role that life experience can play in the development of depression. Stress, for example, triggers the release of hormones and chemicals that affect the biological changes mentioned above. Other risk factors that can make a person more vulnerable to developing depression include:
- Early losses of a parent or other key figure
- Emotional trauma, such as witnessing extreme violence
- Psychological abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Loneliness and isolation
- Alcohol and drug use
- Physical illness
Additionally, certain personality traits may be more or less likely to influence depression. With the multitude of potential combinations of life events, risk factors, biological components, and personality traits associated with the development of depression, it becomes clear why there is currently no single treatment that will work for everyone. Research is still needed to help prevent depression and develop effective treatments for those for whom current treatments do not work.
Clinical research is still needed, and you can help
Synergy Research Centers in Lemon Grove is currently running a clinical research study for patients with major depressive disorder in San Diego. The team at Synergy is well-versed in the science behind depression, and can answer any and all questions about treatment, symptoms, or more technical questions. Participation in a study will also give you access to modern and new treatments for clinical depression that may be the missing link in your treatment of the illness. For more information on our research study for major depressive disorder or to find out if you’re eligible, please give us a call at (888) 539-0282 today.